Haryana CHO -2023
Pharmacology
Medium

In Hingwashtaka curna the quantity of hingu is:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

  • The name 'Hingwashtaka' is a combination of 'Hingu' (Asafoetida) and 'Ashta' (the Sanskrit word for eight), indicating a formula with eight ingredients.
  • The classical preparation of this churna (powder) involves mixing all eight components in equal proportions.
  • Since there are eight ingredients in total and all are in equal parts, Hingu (Asafoetida) makes up one part of the mixture.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This would imply that Hingu is the main or sole ingredient, which is false. The name 'Hingwashtaka' signifies eight ingredients, not eight parts of Hingu.
  • Option C: This is an arbitrary quantity. The principle of Hingwashtaka churna is the synergy of eight ingredients in equal balance.
  • Option D: This is also an arbitrary quantity. The formulation is defined by the equal proportion of all eight ingredients.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of Ayurvedic formulations, specifically Hingwashtaka churna as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Hingwashtaka churna is widely used in nursing and healthcare, particularly in settings incorporating traditional medicine, as a carminative and digestive aid. It is prescribed for conditions like indigestion (ajirna), bloating, gas (flatulence), and abdominal colic.
  • Nurses should advise patients on the proper administration, which is typically 1-3 grams taken with the first morsel of food, often mixed with ghee (clarified butter) or warm water, to enhance digestion.
  • What if? If a patient presents with severe gastritis, acid reflux, or a peptic ulcer, a nurse should advise caution. The 'hot' potency of ingredients like ginger, pepper, and hingu can potentially exacerbate gastric irritation and acidity. In such cases, a milder digestive aid or consultation with a physician would be necessary.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, analyze the name of the formulation: 'Hingwashtaka curna'.
  • Break down the name into its Sanskrit roots: 'Hingu' refers to the ingredient Asafoetida, and 'Ashta' means eight.
  • Deduce from the name that the formulation contains eight ingredients in total.
  • Recall or infer the principle of many classical Ayurvedic 'churna' formulations, which often use ingredients in equal parts ('sama bhaga') to create a balanced effect.
  • Conclude that if there are eight ingredients mixed in equal proportions, then Hingu must constitute one part of the total.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Composition of Ayurvedic formulations, specifically Hingwashtaka churna.
  • Stem keywords: Hingwashtaka curna, quantity, hingu
  • Lead-in keywords: is

Question ID

QeTxmEIy__yX1K6C8KhBm2

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 165-167

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart A (pp 26-327 of 982) p. 25-27

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.