E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Hingula

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 9 SEPTEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Pharmaceutical and therapeutic utility of Hingula

Kumar BN A1*, Kotresh BM2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.9.26

1* Ashok Kumar BN, Associate Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

2 Kotresh BM, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the various pharmaceutical processes viz. Shodhana, Marana, etc. and gives detailed description regarding the Metals, Minerals, Poisonous herbal drugs and Animal products commonly used as therapeutically in practice of Ayurveda. Hingula, a significant component in Rasashastra, is categorized as a Sadharana Rasa, meaning a common yet potent substance used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Known in the modern context as cinnabar, Hingula primarily contains mercury sulfide and has been utilized for centuries in the many preparations. Its importance in Rasashastra lies in its ability to enhance the potency and efficacy of formulations, particularly those aimed at rejuvenation, longevity, and the treatment of complex diseases. The careful detoxification and processing of Hingula is crucial, as it is a potent substance that can be toxic if not properly handled. This paper explores the traditional methods of Hingula purification, its pharmacological properties, and its role in the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Hingula, Parada, Shodana, Marana

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ashok Kumar BN, Associate Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center Kuthpady, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Kumar BN A, Kotresh BM, Pharmaceutical and therapeutic utility of Hingula. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(9):173-176.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3830

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-08-13 2025-08-23 2025-09-03 2025-09-13 2025-09-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 13.43

© 2024by Kumar BN A, Kotresh BMand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Ashok KBN et al. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic utility of Hingula

Introduction

In Rasa text books Hingula is classified in Sadharana Rasa Varga. Hingula's importance in Rasashastra lies in its multifaceted applications in medicine, the preparation of potent formulations, and its role in treating complex diseases. Its careful detoxification and processing underscore the sophisticated techniques developed in Rasashastra, highlighting the enduring relevance of this ancient science in contemporary Ayurvedic practice. Hingula - based formulations are often used for their rejuvenating properties. They help in revitalizing the body's systems, improving vitality, and slowing down the aging process. This makes Hingula a key component in Rasayana therapy, which is aimed at promoting long life, health. It is taken as an ingredient in all Jwarahara Yogas. “Hingulottha Parada” is said to having equal properties to Astha Samskarita Parada.

Aims and Objectives

To provide a detailed description of Hingula, including its historical background, synonyms, classification, Shodhana, Marana, Satwapatana and pharmacological properties.

Methodology

A detailed review of the Hingula is collected from various relevant textbooks, literatures and authorized sources.

Discussion

Historical aspect: Hingula, classified under Sadharana Rasa is a mineral ore of mercury. No references are found in Veda, Purana and Upanishada period.

  • Samhita Kala: There is no description of Hingula is found in Samhitas.
  • Kautilya Arthashastra: Kautilya Arthashastra mentioned that Hingula was available in Darada Desha in earlier days. It was used to destroy gold coins of enemy kingdom. It was mentioned with Swarnadi Dhatu.
  • Nighantu Period: Reference of Hingula is available in most of Nighantus. Explanation about synonyms, Shodhana, uses, and properties of Hingula is found in Nighantus.

Rasa Shastra Period

  • Rasa Ratnakara: Rasa Ratnakara written by Nagarjuna was first to mention Hingula for therapeutic purpose.
  • Rasendra Mangala: This textbook described Shodhana and therapeutic uses of Hingula and considered that Hingulottha Parada is Satwa of Hingula.
  • Rasa Hrudhaya Tantra: Govinda Bhagvatpada Acharya classified Hingula under Rasa Varga.
  • Rasarnava:[1] Rasarnva classified Hingula under Maharasa Varga and also described the synonyms, varieties, properties, and Satwapatana process of Hingula. It is termed as “Rasa Gandha Sambhutam” that shows its composition with Gandhaka.
  • Other Rasa Grantha: Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasendra Sara Sangraha, Rasendra Chudamani, Ayurveda Prakasha, Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala, Rasamrita, Rasatarangini mentioned the synonyms, varieties, properties, Grahya Lakshana, uses and artificial preparation of Hingula.

Table 1: Table showing Hingula is classified under different groups in different text books.

SNClassificationText books
1.  RasaRasa Hrudaya Tantra, Goraksha Samhita
2.  MaharasaRasarnava, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Rasakalpa, Rasakamdhenu, Goraksha Samhita, Rasaviveka
3.  UparasaAnandakanda, Rasa Ratnakara, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasendra Sara Sangraha, Rasendra Chintamani, Rasamanjari, Ayurveda Prakasha, Bhavaprakasha, Rasapradeepika,
4.  Sadharana RasaRasa Ratna Samucchaya, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasajalanidhi, Rasachandamshu, Rasadhatuprakasha
5.  Suvarnadi DhatuDhanwantari Nighantu, Raj Nighantu
6.  RasadhatuRasamrita, Yogaratnakara

Vernacular names

Sanskrit: Hingula
Hindi: Singarpha
Kannada: Inguleuyaka
English: Cinnabar
Latin Name: Sulphantum hydragyrium


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Synonyms of Hingula

Rakta, Ranjana, Darada, Mlecha, Churna Parada, Maraka, Rasagrabha, Rasodhbhava, Lauhaghna

Occurrence

It can be obtained from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Brazil, China, Japan, Russia, America, and Iran. These days it is prepared artificially in India in Surat and Calcutta.

Preparation of artificial Hingula

According to Ayurveda Prakasha[2]

Ashudha Parada 1 part and ashudha Gandhaka 4 parts are taken in iron vessel. It is heated on Mandagni. Manashila powder 1/10th part to Parada is added in to it and stirring is done. Then it is made in to powder form. It is filled in Kachakupi which is smeared with seven layers of mud cloth. After this it is subjected to heat and placed in Valuka Yantra and heated on Mandagni for first day, followed by Madhymagni and Teevragni, till six days. After Swangasheeta it is taken out. Then Kachakupi is broken by the help of hot thread and wrapping cold water cloth. Then we get Hingula prepared in seven days.

According to Rasatarangini[3]

8 parts of Gandhaka and 42 parts of Parada are taken in Mrudanga Yantra. Its Handle is rotated. By putting pressure on it a bright Dhoosara Varna Choorna is obtained. After this it is taken in a Rekhanvitamukhi Stahli which is again fitted upside down in to another same Sthali. After Sealing it is subjected to heat. Mandagni is maintained, after Swangasheeta Hingula of soft consistency is obtained from the neck of lower Sthali. If Hingula found from the base of upper Sthali is hard in nature then process is repeated again.

Table 2: Types of Hingula mentioned in different texts.

Text bookCharmaraShukatundaHamsapada
Rasarnava+++
R.Ch.+++
R.R.S.-++
A.P.+++
Y.R.+++
R.J.N.+++
R.P.S+++
R.Sa.S+++

Gunadharma of types of Hingula[4]

1. Charmara Hingula -Shuka Varna - colour of parrot’s feathers
2. Shukatunda - Peeta Varna - colour of parrot’s beak
3. Hamsapada - Japakusuma Varna - Red colour

Grahya Sawroopa of Hingula[5]

  • Japakusuma Varna
  • While Mardana it looks pleasant
  • Extreme bright
  • Heavy in weight

Ashudha Hingula Sevana Janya Vikara[6]

Consumption of Ashudha Hingula causes Andhatwa, Ksheenta, Bhrama, Moha, Meha, that’s why it is purified first before internal administration.

Ashudha Hingula Sevana Janya Vikara Shanti Upaya

Bruhda Rasaraja Sundara mentioned to follow the same treatment guide line used for Parada toxicity in Ashudha Hingula Sevana Janya Vikara. Intake of purified Gandhaka along with Godugdha and Goghrita should be given with Nagavalli Patra for 3-4 days.

Shuddha Hingula Guna[7]

After Shodhana it attains colour of ripened Bimbiphala. It also attains Divya Swaroopa as it is composing of Parada and Gandhaka. It is also having properties to cure Meha and Kustha Roga. It becomes Ruchya, Balya Medhya and Agnivardhaka.

Properties of Hingula[8]

Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna: Snigdha, Ushna
Veerya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Doshagnahta: Kapha-Pitta Shamaka
Karma: Rasayana, Deepana, Vrushya, Tridoshaghna, Sarvarogahara
Rogaghnata: Jwara, Kustha, Pleeha, Gulma and Netra Roga Hara

Marana of Hingula

Most of the Rasa Granthas have not described Marana of Hingula. Reference of Marana we find in Ayurveda Prakasha, Bhruda Rasaraja Sundara and Yoga Ratnakara.


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Satwapatana[9]

Satwapatana drugs: Hingula, Nimbu Swarasa,
Process: Bhavana, Peshana, Urdhvapatana
Apparatus: Urdhvapatana Yantra
Agnimatra: Madhyamagni for 2 Yama

Procedure

Shuddha Hingula is taken in Khalva and Bhavana of Nimbu Swarasa is given for one day. It is applied in a mud pot and it is closed by another mud pot which is kept upside down on the previous pot, sealing is done with the help of Multani Mitti. It is dried properly, then it is subjected to heat, Teevragni is given for 6 hours. While heating a cloth dipped in cold water is kept continuously over the base of upper pot, when it gets hot again it is dipped into cold water and kept over the pot. By doing so Parada will condense and deposit at the base of the upper pot. After Swanga Sheeta Parada will be scrapped out and washed with hot water. Thus, clean and pure Parada can be obtained as Satwa of Hingula. This Parada is devoid of Naga-Vangadi Dosha and Sapta Kanchuka Dosha.

Hingula Yogas

1. Mrityunjaya Rasa
2. Hinguleshwara Rasa
3. Tribhuvana Kirti Rasa
4. Ananda Bhairava Rasa
5. Kasturi Bhairava Rasa
6. Kanaka Sundara Rasa
7. Jwaramurari Rasa
8. Hingulia Manikya Rasa
9. Hingulyada Malahara
10. Hingulamruta Malahara

Conclusion

Hingula is classified under Sadharana Rasa Varga. Three varieties are explained Charmara, Shukatunda and Hamsapada. Among these Japa Kusuma Yukta Hamsapada is considered best which is taken as Grahya Hingula. Shodhana of Hingula is done by giving Bhavana with Nimbu Swarasa. Properties are Tikta, Ksahaya Rasa, Ushna Guna, Ushna Veerya, and Katu Vipaka, Pitta Roga Hara, Jwara Hara. It is having action of Amapachana, and Agnivardhana that is much needed in Jwara Roga. which give strength to cure diseases like Jwara, Amavata, Mandagni, Kustha, and Prameha.

References

1. Tripathi I, Rasarnavam or Rasatantram, Raschandrika hindi commentary, 7th patala, verse no.46-52, Varanasi, Chowkhamba sanskrit series office, 2001, p 93-96
2. Shri Gulraj Sharma Mishra, Ayurveda Prakasha, Acharya Sri Madhava, 2nd chapter, verse no. 78-82, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2016, p 275-276.
3. Pandit Kashinath Sastri, Rasa Tarangini, Sri Sadananda Sharma, Prasadani, commentary by Sri Hari Datta Sastri, Hingula vigyaniya, 9th taranga, verse no. 5-10, 11th edition, New Delhi, Moti lal Banarasi das prakashak, 2012, p-199 200.
4. Shri Gulraj Sharma Mishra, Ayurveda Prakasha, Acharya Sri Madhava, 2nd chapter, verse no. 70-71, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2016, p 272-273.
5. Pandit Kashinath Sastri, Rasa Tarangini, Sri Sadananda Sharma, Prasadani, commentary by Sri Hari Datta Sastri, Hingula vigyaniya, 9th taranga, verse no.3, 11th edition, New Delhi, Moti lal Banarasi das prakashak, 2012, p-199.
6. Shri Gulraj Sharma Mishra, Ayurveda Prakasha, Acharya Sri Madhava, 2nd chapter, verse no. 73, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2016, p-274.
7. Shri Ambikadatta Shastri, Rasendra Sara Sangrah, Sri Gopala Krishna Bhatt, Jwara chikitsa, 1st chapter, verse no.231, Banaras city, Chaukhamba Sanskrit series office,1994, p-61.
8. Siddhi Nandan Mishra, Rasaratna Samucchaya, Acharya Shree Vagbhat, 3rd chapter, verse no.145, Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientaliya, 2011, p-145-146.
9. Shri Ambikadatta Shastri, Rasendra Sara Sangrah, Sri Gopala Krishna Bhatt, Rasa pradhanyadi, 1st chapter, verse no.47-48, Banaras city, Chaukhamba Sanskrit series office,1994, p-15.


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