Introduction:
Hingwashtak Churna is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation sold in the form of powder. It is composed of eight main ingredients, namely Cuminum cyminum, Ferula foetida, Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Piper longum, Nigella sativa, Trachyspermum ammi, and Saindhava Lavana (rock salt). The formulation is listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and in Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. All the ingredients have a role to fulfil. Phytochemicals like alkaloids, glucosides, tannins, and phenols are present in Hingwashtak Churna.
Ingredients of Hingwashtak Churna:
Apart from phytochemicals, Hingwashtak Churna also contains nutrients like proteins and carbohydrates.
The composition of Hingwashtak Churna is depicted in the table below:
| Sr. | Ingredient |
| 1 | Cuminum cyminum (cumin) |
| 2 | Ferula foetida (asafoetida) |
| 3 | Zingiber officinale (ginger) |
| 4 | Piper nigrum (black pepper) |
| 5 | Piper longum (long pepper) |
| 6 | Nigella sativa (fennel) |
| 7 | Trachyspermum ammi (carom seed/ajwain) |
| 8 | Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) |
Therapeutic Uses of Hingwashtak Churna:
The therapeutic uses of Hingwashak Churna are as follows:
- Hingwashtak Churna is a polyherbal formulation used as a digestive aid and to treat digestive disorders. It is a carminative and antispasmodic.
- Hingwashtak Churna is composed of mainly eight ingredients. These ingredients have various therapeutic roles.
- Rock salt is used as a digestive aid
- The ginger powder is used to treat indigestion
- Black pepper and long pepper are used as carminative
- Asafoetida and cumin are used to treat many digestive problems like flatulence
- Carom seeds and cumin stimulate the secretion of gastric acids.
Benefits of Hingwashtak Churna:
Hingwashtak Churna is used as a household remedy because of the many health benefits in dealing with problems associated with micturition (urination), defecation (passing stools), and flatulence (gas). The ingredients present in Hingwashtak Churna provide many health benefits, which are mentioned below.
1. Benefits of Hingwashtak Churna in Relieving Flatulence
Piper nigrum and Piper longum have carminative activity. They help ease flatulence caused due to gases in the gastrointestinal tract. Asafoetida is also beneficial in getting rid of flatulence and distension of the abdomen.
2. Benefits of Hingwashtak Churna in Managing Painful Menstruation
In a case study, Hingwashtak Churna provided relief from abdominal pain caused due to primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is marked by painful menstruation without pathological abnormalities such as the septate uterus and uterine fibrosis. Hingwashtak Churna could also regulate the menstrual cycle. It does this by easing the menstrual flow.
3. Benefits of Hingwashtak Churna in Treating Indigestion
One of the ingredients found in Hingwashtak Churna, ginger powder, is beneficial in treating indigestion. It reduces the food retention time, facilitates greater secretion of bile acids, and also increases the efficacy of the digestive enzymes present in the stomach. Hingwashtak Churna helps in facilitating digestion and treating indigestion.
4. Benefits of Hingwashtak Churna in Managing Gastric Ulcers
Aqueous extract of Hingwashtak Churna was found to be effective in reducing the size of gastric ulcers. Many studies suggest the role of antioxidant activity of its ingredients for the benefits in managing gastric ulcers. Hingwashtak Churna is a promising candidate to be used as an adjunct to the existing peptic ulcer treatment.
How to Use Hingwashtak Churna?
The powder can be taken with ghee. Your Ayurvedic doctor will prescribe you the dose based on your requirement.
Side Effects of Hingwashtak Churna:
There are no reported side effects of Hingwashtak Churna.
Precautions to Take With Hingwashtak Churna:
You should keep the following points in mind:
- There is a lack of safety data about the use of Hingwashtak Churna in humans. Therefore, it should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- There is no safety data about its use in pregnant and lactating women. Pregnant women are advised to take it under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What is Hingwashtak Churna?
Hingwashtak Churna is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation sold in the form of powder. It is composed of eight main ingredients, namely Cuminum cyminum (Cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Ferula foetida (asafoetida), Piper longum (long pepper), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain), Nigella sativa (fennel), and Rock salt (Saindhava Lavana).
2) What are the uses of Hingwashtak Churna?
Hingwashtak Churna is a polyherbal formulation used as a digestive aid and to treat digestive disorders. It is also used as a household remedy to deal with the problems associated with defecation, micturition, and flatulence. It is a carminative and antispasmodic.
3) What are the health benefits of Hingwashtak Churna?
The ingredients present in Hingwashtak Churna are responsible for many of its health benefits. It has benefits in managing gastric conditions like gas, indigestion, and peptic ulcers. It is also beneficial in managing dysmenorrhea.
4) What are the benefits of Hingwashtak Churna in dysmenorrhea?
Hingwashtak Churna could provide relief from abdominal pain caused due to dysmenorrhoea. Hingwashtak Churna could also regulate the menstrual cycle.2 Irrespective of the benefits, Hingwashtak Churna should not be used to replace standard or conventional medicines. It can be used as an additional supporting aid and not as a stand-alone option. Consult a gynaecologist or a doctor for better advice on dysmenorrhoea.
5) Is Hingwashtak Churna safe during pregnancy?
There is no safety data about its use in pregnant and lactating women. Pregnant women are advised to take it under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.
6) Can I take Hingwashtak Churna if I have a stomach ache?
Hingwashtak Churna is beneficial in relieving the discomfort due to gas, acidity, and indigestion. However, avoid self-medication. Consult an Ayurvedic physician or any medical practitioner for guided treatment options. The doctor will help you understand the cause of the problem before starting any treatment plan.
7) Can I take Hingwashtak Churna to treat gastritis?
Hingwashtak Churna cannot be used as a cure for gastritis. Though it is helpful in managing stomach related problems like indigestion, gas and acidity, it should not be used as a treatment option for gastritis. Consult a doctor for the treatment plans available for gastritis. Avoid self-medication as it might worsen the condition. Hingwashtak Churna can be used as a digestive aid but use it should be used after consulting with a doctor.