Hingwashtak Churna
Hingwashtak Churna is a classical Ayurvedic churna, a fine herbal powder. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Ajirna Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Yoga Ratnakara and Sharangdhara Samhita. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Part I, entry 7:37) lists 8 ingredients: Sunthi 3 g, Marica 3 g, Pippali 3 g, Ajamoda 3 g, Saindhava lavana 3 g, Sveta jiraka 3 g, Krsna jiraka 3 g and Hingu-suddha 3 g.
| Also known as | Hingwashtak Churna, HingwashtakChurna |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Referenced in multiple state Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias across India. One of the most commonly prescribed digestive churnas in clinical Ayurvedic practice. |
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 7:37 (HINGVASTAKA CURNA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali. Agnimandyadirogadhikara; 37.. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunthi | rhizome | 3 g |
| 2 | Marica * | fruit | 3 g |
| 3 | Pippali * | fruit | 3 g |
| 4 | Ajamoda * | fruit | 3 g |
| 5 | Saindhava lavana * | 3 g | |
| 6 | Sveta jiraka * | fruit | 3 g |
| 7 | Krsna jiraka | fruit | 3 g |
| 8 | Hingu-suddha | exudate | 3 g |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
The Formulary gives the dose as 1 to 2 g, with anupana, the vehicle it is taken with, of ghee. This is what the Formulary records for the classical preparation. It is not a dose for any product, and not advice to take anything.
This entry and hingvashtak churna describe the same drug, , under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use, and each is cited as itself.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Hingwashtak Churna |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Ajirna Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Yoga Ratnakara and Sharangdhara Samhita. The name ‘Ashtak’ signifies the eight primary ingredients.
How does it work?
- Carminative action: Asafoetida (Hing) contains ferulic acid and volatile sulfur compounds that reduce intestinal gas formation and promote gas expulsion.
- Digestive enzyme stimulation: Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper, ginger) stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes including pepsin, lipase, and amylase.
- Antispasmodic effect: Volatile oils from cumin and ajwain are reported to relax intestinal smooth muscle.
- Antimicrobial action: Ferulic acid and thymol (from ajwain) provide broad-spectrum activity against gut pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus).
- Gastroprotective mucosal defense: Animal studies report that ginger compounds protected gastric mucosa in NSAID-induced and ethanol-induced ulcer models.
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Functional dyspepsia and indigestion: traditionally used for these complaints. A clinical study reported improvement in symptoms.
- Flatulence and bloating: traditionally used for these complaints. An animal study reported a reduction in intestinal gas volume.
- IBS symptoms: traditionally used for these complaints. Preliminary clinical reports described changes in pain, bloating and stool consistency.
- Stomach lining: animal studies in ibuprofen- and ethanol-induced ulcer models have reported mucosal protection.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.
Recent safety updates
- Generally safe at recommended doses. May cause stomach irritation in some patients, particularly those with gastric sensitivity.
- Contains rock salt (Saindhava Lavana); patients with hypertension and kidney-related diseases should use with caution and medical supervision.
- Not advised during pregnancy. Should not be taken without medical advice for prolonged periods. Those on blood pressure or cardiac medications should consult physician.
What is it made of?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India recipe, every ingredient with its part and quantity, is in the composition table near the top of this page.
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (fine powder), Capsules (modern), Tablets (modern)
Standard Dosage: 1 to 2 g twice daily with first morsel of food or before meals, as given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 7:37. The formulary’s anupana: ghee. The formulary attributes this formula to Bhaisajyaratnavali, Agnimandyadirogadhikara; 37.
Optimal Timing: Immediately before meals or with first morsel of food
Storage: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Sealed packaging due to strong aroma. Temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Marker Compounds: Piperine, 6-Gingerol, Cuminaldehyde, Ferulic acid, Thymol
Vehicle (Anupana): Ghee, as given in the formulary; with first morsel of food
Synergistic Combinations
- Chitrakadi Vati
- Agnitundi Vati
- Lavanbhaskar Churna
- Shankha Vati
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.