Yashtimadhu (Licorice) for Acid Reflux: Does It Work?
Does Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice) help with acid reflux (Amlapitta)? Yes, Yashtimadhu is the single classical lead herb for Amlapitta, the Pitta-dominant disorder Charaka describes in Chikitsa Sthana 15 as the syndrome of sour belching, burning epigastric pain, and bilious vomiting. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as Madhura Rasa, Sheeta Virya, Madhura Vipaka, sweet taste, cold potency, sweet post-digestive effect, the exact opposite quality profile of the sharp, hot, sour Pitta that drives reflux and gastritis.
Two things make Yashtimadhu unusual in the reflux toolkit. First, it both heals the inflamed mucosa and reduces acid output. Second, in DGL form (deglycyrrhizinated, glycyrrhizin removed) it can be taken daily for months without the blood-pressure and electrolyte risks of whole-root licorice. DGL has been compared head-to-head with cimetidine in older trials and produced equivalent ulcer healing without acid suppression.
Position Yashtimadhu against the other reflux herbs: Shatavari is the Brimhana lead for chronic stress-driven reflux in depleted Vata-Pitta patients; Aloe vera juice is the acute esophageal cooling agent; Fennel is the post-meal carminative; Coriander is the daily Pitta tea base. Yashtimadhu is the mucosal healer, the herb you reach for when the lining itself is inflamed, eroded, or H. pylori-colonised. For most chronic heartburn and gastritis cases, it is the herb that finally lets the lining repair while you taper acid-suppression drugs. Use the DGL form unless under classical supervision; flag any history of hypertension, edema, or potassium-wasting diuretics first.
How Yashtimadhu Helps with Acid Reflux
Yashtimadhu acts on acid reflux and gastritis through four converging mechanisms, two classical and two confirmed by modern phytochemistry.
1. Madhura Rasa and Sheeta Virya cool Pitta directly
Amlapitta in the Charaka framework is excess Amla (sour) and Tikshna (sharp) qualities of Pitta rising upward (Urdhva-ga Amlapitta) into the stomach and esophagus. The therapeutic principle is opposite-quality: sweet taste, cold potency, smooth and unctuous texture. Yashtimadhu carries all three. The sweet Madhura Rasa is the most Pitta-pacifying of the six tastes; Sheeta Virya (cold potency) cools the burning; and the Madhura Vipaka means the sweetening effect persists through the post-digestive phase rather than turning sour like many fruits do. Charaka Chikitsa 15 names Yashtimadhu among the first-line drugs for Urdhva-ga Amlapitta.
2. Vrana Ropana, mucus stimulation and mucosal healing
Yashtimadhu is classically Vrana Ropana (wound-healing) and Snehana (lubricating). Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid increase prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in gastric epithelial cells, which stimulates the protective mucus and bicarbonate layer that buffers acid. PGE2 also extends mucosal cell lifespan. This is the same pathway NSAIDs damage, and part of why NSAID-induced gastritis often responds to Yashtimadhu while continuing to recur on PPIs alone.
3. H. pylori inhibition
Roughly half of chronic gastritis and many recurrent reflux cases involve Helicobacter pylori colonisation. Licorice flavonoids, particularly glabridin, licochalcone A, and licoricidin, are bacteriostatic against H. pylori in vitro and in animal models, including clarithromycin-resistant strains. Small trials adding licorice extract to standard triple therapy have shown improved eradication rates. Yashtimadhu does not replace antibiotic eradication where indicated, but it is the right adjuvant and the right post-eradication mucosal repair agent.
4. Glabridin reduces acid secretion; DGL clinical equivalence to H2-blockers
Glabridin and liquiritin reduce gastric acid output in animal models by weakly inhibiting H+/K+-ATPase, the proton pump that PPIs target. More relevant clinically: deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been compared with cimetidine and ranitidine in randomised trials of duodenal and gastric ulcers, with equivalent healing at 6–12 weeks. DGL achieves this without acid suppression, by mucosal defence, which is why patients tend not to develop the rebound hyperacidity, B12 malabsorption, or SIBO that long-term acid blockade causes.
How to Use Yashtimadhu for Acid Reflux
Forms and which one to start with
Yashtimadhu is available as raw root, churna, DGL chewable tablets, classical lehyam, and as a component of many compound formulations. The four most-used forms for reflux are:
- DGL chewable tablets, 250–500 mg deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Gold standard for daily use: glycyrrhizin (the BP-raising compound) is removed; mucosal-healing flavonoids remain. Must be chewed, saliva activation matters.
- Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam, classical Kerala formulation with Yashtimadhu as lead, in sugar/ghee base. For chronic Amlapitta with depletion.
- Yashtimadhu Churna, plain root powder, 3–5g. Most potent but contains full glycyrrhizin, short courses only.
- Eladi / Avipattikara Churna, Yashtimadhu within compound powders for reflux with bloating or stuck digestion.
Standard dosing for reflux and gastritis protocols
| Goal | Form | Dose | Anupana (vehicle) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute reflux / heartburn relief | DGL chewable tablet | 250–500 mg, chewed thoroughly | None, chew before swallowing | 20 minutes before each meal and at bedtime |
| Chronic Amlapitta (mucosal repair) | Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam | 1–2 tsp (5–10g) | Warm milk or warm water | Twice daily, 30 min before meals, 6–8 weeks |
| H. pylori-positive reflux (adjuvant) | DGL chewable + Yashtimadhu Churna | 500 mg DGL + 3g churna | Honey paste (churna), DGL chewed plain | DGL before meals; churna once daily; alongside antibiotic course and 4 weeks after |
| Nighttime / supine reflux | DGL chewable | 500 mg | None, chew | Bedtime, plus elevate head of bed 6 inches |
| Reflux with severe burning, depletion | Yashtimadhu Churna + Shatavari | 3g + 3g | Cool milk | Twice daily, 4–6 weeks; then taper churna, continue Shatavari |
Why DGL is the default for chronic use
Whole-root Yashtimadhu contains 2–9% glycyrrhizin, hydrolysed in the gut to glycyrrhetinic acid. This inhibits 11-beta-HSD2 in the kidney, allowing cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors. At chronic doses above ~100 mg glycyrrhizin/day (roughly 5g whole-root daily) the result is sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension, edema, and in extremes hypokalemic myopathy. DGL removes this risk while preserving the flavonoid mucosal-healing fraction. For anyone with hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, on diuretics, digoxin, or in late pregnancy, use DGL only.
Hypertension, edema, and drug-interaction warnings
- Hypertension or borderline BP, DGL only. Whole-root churna/lehyam max 2–3 weeks.
- Thiazide or loop diuretics, severe hypokalemia risk with whole-root. DGL acceptable; monitor potassium beyond a month.
- Digoxin, licorice-induced hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity. DGL only, with cardiology awareness.
- Late pregnancy, full glycyrrhizin doses linked to preterm-labour signal. DGL is the conservative choice; clear with your obstetrician.
- Cirrhosis or cholestasis, avoid whole-root; mineralocorticoid effect compounds fluid retention.
- PPIs or H2-blockers, safe to combine, often complementary during a taper. DGL works by mucosal defence and does not interact with omeprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine, or famotidine.
Duration
For acute heartburn, expect relief within 20–60 minutes of a chewed DGL tablet. For chronic Amlapitta and gastritis, plan a 6–8 week protocol of DGL before meals plus a classical formulation. Re-evaluate at 8 weeks; many patients taper to DGL-only maintenance or stop entirely once diet and stress drivers are corrected. Whole-root churna is short-course only, 2–3 weeks, then break.
What to avoid
- Daily whole-root churna for months, switch to DGL or rotate with Shatavari and Amla.
- Yashtimadhu alone for severe ulcers or melena, needs medical workup; use Yashtimadhu as adjuvant, not sole treatment.
- Combining with stimulant herbs, Trikatu, dry ginger excess, and pippali at high dose can re-aggravate Pitta and undo the cooling effect.
- Stopping a PPI abruptly, rebound hyperacidity is real. Use DGL to support a structured 4–8 week taper, do not cold-stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
DGL vs whole-root Yashtimadhu, which should I use?
For chronic, daily, multi-week use: DGL. The deglycyrrhizinated form keeps the mucosal-healing flavonoids (glabridin, liquiritin, licochalcones) and removes the glycyrrhizin that drives BP and potassium issues. For short, classically supervised courses without hypertension, edema, or diuretic use, whole-root churna or lehyam is more potent and traditionally preferred for severe Amlapitta. Most users without a vaidya should default to DGL.
Can I take Yashtimadhu alongside my PPI or H2-blocker?
Yes. DGL works on mucosal defence (PGE2, mucus, bicarbonate) while PPIs and H2-blockers work on acid suppression, no clinically significant interaction with omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, ranitidine, or famotidine. The combination is ideal during a PPI taper: DGL holds mucosal protection while you step the acid blocker down, blunting rebound hyperacidity. Typical taper: halve PPI for 2 weeks, alternate-day for 2 weeks, then DGL-only maintenance.
Will Yashtimadhu raise my blood pressure?
Whole-root licorice can, at chronic doses above ~100 mg glycyrrhizin/day (about 5g whole-root). Mechanism is mineralocorticoid: glycyrrhetinic acid blocks the enzyme that protects kidney aldosterone receptors from cortisol, causing sodium retention and potassium loss. DGL has glycyrrhizin removed and is not associated with BP elevation. If you have hypertension, edema, kidney disease, or use diuretics/digoxin, use DGL only.
How fast does DGL work for heartburn?
Onset 20–60 minutes after a chewed 250–500 mg DGL tablet, slower than antacids (5–10 min), faster than oral PPIs (1–4 days for full effect). DGL doesn't neutralise existing acid; it stimulates the mucus and bicarbonate layer, so relief is gentler and more sustained. Many people use antacid for breakthrough and DGL before meals.
Is Yashtimadhu safe in pregnancy?
Whole-root licorice at full glycyrrhizin doses has been linked in Finnish epidemiology to higher rates of preterm delivery; EFSA caps glycyrrhizin at 100 mg/day. DGL is the conservative choice for pregnancy reflux, it retains mucosal-healing flavonoids without the glycyrrhizin. Clear any new herb in pregnancy with your obstetrician, and prefer DGL chewables over lehyam or whole-root churna while pregnant.
Can Yashtimadhu help me come off omeprazole?
Yes, a common practical use case. Long-term PPI use is associated with B12 deficiency, magnesium loss, fracture risk, SIBO, and rebound hyperacidity on stopping. Start DGL 380–500 mg chewed 20 min before meals and bedtime while still on the PPI; give it 2 weeks to load mucosal defence, then halve the PPI for 2 weeks, alternate-day for 2 weeks, then stop. Add Shatavari 3g twice daily for depletion/stress overlay, and aloe vera juice 2 tbsp twice daily for the first month. Rebound peaks at days 3–10 off the PPI; DGL plus aloe gets most users through it.
Yashtimadhu vs Shatavari vs Aloe vera, which is best?
Different patterns. Yashtimadhu is the mucosal-healer and acid-output reducer, best for inflamed lining, gastritis, ulcers, H. pylori-positive cases, and PPI tapers. Shatavari is the Brimhana nourisher, best for chronic stress-driven reflux in thin, depleted, anxious patients. Aloe vera is the acute esophageal cooler, best for the burning column, especially nighttime. They combine well: DGL before meals, Shatavari twice daily, aloe at bedtime.
Recommended: Start Yashtimadhu (DGL) for Acid Reflux
If you've decided Yashtimadhu is the right starting point for your reflux or gastritis protocol, here is the practical short-list. For chronic acid reflux, gastritis, or a PPI taper, start with DGL chewable tablets, they are the safest form for daily use and the form with the most clinical data. Add classical formulations only if symptoms are severe or you have access to a vaidya.
For daily reflux and chronic gastritis (DGL, the gold standard)
- Enzymatic Therapy DGL Ultra, 400 mg DGL chewable, original clinical-trial form. Chew one 20 minutes before each meal and at bedtime.
- Solgar DGL, 380 mg chewable, clean ingredient list, widely available.
- NOW Foods DGL, 400 mg chewable, budget option, USP verified.
- Himalaya Yashtimadhu / Licorice tablets, whole-root standardised, useful if you specifically want the systemic Pitta-cooling effect; short courses only, not for hypertensives.
- Dabur Yashtimadhu Churna, classical fine powder, 3–5g with honey paste; short course (2–3 weeks).
For chronic Amlapitta with depletion (classical)
- Kottakkal Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam, 1–2 tsp twice daily before meals in warm milk. Lead drug for chronic Urdhva-ga Amlapitta.
- Avipattikara Churna, Yashtimadhu plus other Pitta-pacifying drugs; for reflux with constipation and bloating, 3–5g at bedtime.
- Eladi Churna, for reflux with nausea and lingering heaviness after meals.
What to look for in a quality DGL product
- Glycyrrhizin content listed as < 1% (true DGL)
- Chewable form, not capsule. Saliva activation is part of the mechanism.
- No high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame in the chewable base
- Third-party heavy-metal testing for any imported Ayurvedic powder
- Brands with classical lineage for compound formulations: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Baidyanath, Dabur, Himalaya
Pair Yashtimadhu with the rest of the reflux stack
- Shatavari, 3g twice daily in milk for stress-driven, chronic, depleted-pattern reflux. Sits well alongside DGL.
- Aloe vera juice, 2 tbsp twice daily for the acute burning column; especially useful at bedtime for supine reflux.
- CCF tea, equal parts cumin, coriander, fennel; 1 tsp blend per cup, post-meal, daily Pitta-cooling base.
- Amla, 1 tsp powder or 1 fresh fruit daily as a sustained Pitta-pacifying Rasayana.
- Guduchi, for reflux overlapping with autoimmune or chronic inflammatory drivers.
See the acid reflux hub for the full protocol including diet (the Pitta-pacifying meal pattern, trigger foods, eating window), lifestyle (sleep position, stress, eating speed), and red-flag triage for when reflux needs urgent endoscopy rather than herbs.
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Safety & Precautions
Licorice is one of the most-used herbs on earth, but it is also one of the very few Ayurvedic herbs with a well-documented, dose-dependent side-effect profile. The active compound glycyrrhizin is the reason for both its power and its cautions. The good news: nearly all of the risk is avoidable by understanding dose and form.
The Hypertension Warning (Read This First)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which allows cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors. The practical result is pseudoaldosteronism, the body behaves as if aldosterone is elevated. This means:
- Sodium and water retention, blood pressure rises
- Potassium loss through urine, risk of hypokalaemia
- In extreme cases: muscle weakness, arrhythmia, and oedema
Classical Ayurveda describes this directly: Licorice "increases water around the heart" and is contraindicated in hridroga (heart disease) and swelling. Modern cardiology agrees. Do not take therapeutic doses of whole-root Licorice if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, low potassium, or a history of stroke. For any of these, DGL is the safe alternative.
Dose Matters Enormously
The difference between "daily tonic" and "adverse event" is dose and duration:
- Culinary/trace amounts (a piece of root in tea, a lozenge), safe for virtually everyone
- 1-3 g/day of powder, short-term (up to 4-6 weeks), safe for most healthy adults
- Above 3 g/day, or daily for months, real risk of BP elevation and potassium loss, even in previously healthy people
- DGL, no glycyrrhizin, effectively no BP risk at any typical dose
Drug Interactions
Licorice can meaningfully interact with several common medications. If you are on any of the following, consult your doctor before using therapeutic doses:
- Diuretics (especially thiazides and loop diuretics), compounds potassium loss dangerously
- Digoxin, low potassium increases digoxin toxicity risk
- Corticosteroids, Licorice extends their half-life and effect
- Warfarin, may alter bleeding risk
- Blood pressure medication, Licorice directly opposes the drug's action
- Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, phyto-oestrogenic effect may potentiate
- Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics, Licorice can affect blood sugar in either direction
Pregnancy and Nursing
Classical Ayurveda states plainly: do not use in pregnancy. Modern observational data aligns, high Licorice intake during pregnancy is associated with preterm labour and second-trimester bleeding risk. Small culinary amounts and DGL are likely fine, but therapeutic whole-root use should be avoided. During breastfeeding, small amounts appear safe, but avoid prolonged high-dose use.
Other Cautions
- High Kapha individuals, Licorice's sweet, heavy, moist qualities can aggravate Kapha and worsen oedema, congestion, or sluggishness. Combine with ginger or black pepper to offset.
- Low potassium diet, Licorice increases potassium excretion. Pair with potassium-rich foods (banana, spinach, coconut water).
- Calcium absorption, chronic high-dose use may interfere with calcium absorption; classical texts flag caution in osteoporosis.
- Hypoglycaemia, Licorice can lower blood sugar; take with food if prone.
Signs You Are Taking Too Much
Watery weight gain, puffy face, ankle swelling, muscle weakness or cramps, headaches, and unexplained BP elevation. If any of these appear, stop immediately, effects usually resolve within 1-2 weeks once the herb is discontinued.
Other Herbs for Acid Reflux
See all herbs for acid reflux on the Acid Reflux page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
Meat juice (Mamsarasa) which is not very thick, Rasala (curds churned and mixed with pepper powder and sugar), Raga (syrup which is sweet, sour and salty) and Khandava (syrup which has all the tastes, prepared with many substances), Panaka panchasara, (syrup prepared with raisins (draksha), madhuka, dates (karjura), kasmarya, and parushaka fruits all in equal quantities, cooled and added with powder of cinnamon leaves, cinnamon and cardamom etc) and kept inside a fresh mud pot, along with leav
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 3: Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
117-118 मोचखजूरपनसना रकेलप षकम ् आ ाततालका मयराजादनमधूकजम ् सौवीरबदरा कोलफ गु ले मातको वम ् वातामा भशुका ोडमक ु ू लक नकोचकम ् उ माणं यालं च बं ृहणं गु शीतलम ् दाह त यहरं र त प त सादनम ् वाद ुपाकरसं ि न धं व टि भ कफशु कृत ् Mocha (plantain), kharjura (dates) panasa (jack fruits) narikela (cocoanut ) parusaka amrataka , tala, kasmarya, rajadana, madhuka, badara, ankola, phalgu, slesmataka, vatama, abhisuka, aksoda, mukulaka, nikocaka, urumanam, and priyala make the body stout, not easily di
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
But dry grape has mild purgative action, but Madhuka does not.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
It usually contains Madanaphala (Randia spinosa), Licorice etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 18: Vamana Virechana Vidhi
Similar is the case of Anuvasana – fat enema and Matra basti – fat enema with very little oil 34-36 Anu taila जीव तीजलदे वदा जलद व से यगोपी हमं दाव व मधुक लवागु वर पु ा व ब वो पलम ् धाव यौ सरु भं ि थरे कृ महरं प ं ु ट रे णक ु ां कि ज कं कमला वलां शतगुणे द ये अ भ स वाथयेत ् ३७ तैला सं दशगण ु ं प रशो य तेन तैलं पचेत ् स ललेन दशैव वारान ् पाके पे चदशमे सममाजद ु धं न यं महागुणमुश यणुतैलमेतत ् ३८ Jivanti, Jala, Devadaru, Jalada, Twak, Sevya, Gopi (sariva), Hima, Darvi twak, Madhuka, Plava, A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 20: Nasya Vidhi Nasal
13-15 For Shamana- Madyama, medium kind of smoke शमने श लक ला ा प ृ वीका कमलो पलम ् य ोधोद ु बरा व थ ल रो वचः सताः यि टमधु सुवण वक् प कं र तयि टका ग धा चाकु ठतगराः useful drugs are - shallaki, Laksha,Prithvika, Kamala, Utpala, Barks of Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Asvattha, Plaksa and Rodhra; Sita, Yasthimadhu (licorice), Suvarnatwak, Padmaka, Raktayastika Kustha, tagara and other scents – perfumeries.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
Herbal smoking blends – Dhuma dravyani – For Mridu- mild kind of smoke, म ृदौ त या यगु गु गुलु मु त थौणेयशैलेयनलदोशीरवालकम ् वय गकौ तीमधुक ब वम जैलवालुकम ् ीवे टकं सजरसो यामकं मदनं लवम ् श लक कुं कुमं माषा यवाः कु द ु काि तलाः नेहः फलानां साराणां मेदो म जा वसा घ ृतम ् useful drugs are-Aguru, Guggulu, Musta, sthauneya, Shaileya, Nalada, Usheera, Valaka, Varanga, Kounti, Madhuka, Bilvamajja, elavaluka, Shrivestaka, Sarjarasa, Dhyamaka, Madana, Plava, Shallaki, Kumkuma, Masha, Yava, Kunduruk
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
For Greeshma (summer) – कुमुदो पलक हारद ुवामधुकच दनम ् Kumuda, Utpala, Kalhara, Durva, Madhuka and Chandana (Sandalwood).
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 22: Gandushadi Vidhi Gargles
the ulcer should be covered with cotton swab soaked in a mixture of honey, melted ghee, Anjana – Srotonjana, ash of Ksyauma (flax), Phalini, fruit of Shallaki, Rodhra and Madhuka; then bandaging and other measures done as described previously.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 29: Shastrakarma Vidhi
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied; तलक क: समधुको घ ृता ता णरोपण: । Paste of tila (sesame), and Madhuka mixed with ghee heals the ulcer.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30: Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied; तलक क: समधुको घ ृता ता णरोपण: । Paste of tila (sesame), and Madhuka mixed with ghee heals the ulcer.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30: Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 3, Ch. 6, Ch. 9, Ch. 9, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 10, Ch. 18, Ch. 20, Ch. 21, Ch. 21, Ch. 22, Ch. 29, Ch. 30, Ch. 30
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
It usually contains Madanaphala (Randia spinosa), Licorice etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Vamana Virechana Vidhi
Sita, Yasthimadhu (licorice), Suvarnatwak, Padmaka, Raktayastika Kustha, tagara and other scents – perfumeries.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Vamana Virechana Vidhi; Dhumpana Medicated Smoking; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
[249] Sauviranjana, tuttha, tapya-dhatu (maksika), manahshila, chaksushya (variety of kulattha), madhuka (Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra), loha bhasma(iron), precious stones, pushpanjana, saindhava, tusk of boar, kataka – strychnos potatorum may be used in the form of either powder or varti as collyrium which is excellent remedies for timira (cataract) and such other eye-diseases.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
[278 ½- 279½] Recipe for restoration of hair: Application of the paste of tila – sesame (Sesamum indicum), amalaki – Phyllanthus emblica, kinjalka, madhuka– Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra and honey over the head restores the color of hair, and promotes hair growth.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Also: Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Madhurasa/Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra — licorice), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Pushkara Moola (Inula racemosa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), and Trikantaka/Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
The famous Dashanga Lepa (ten-ingredient paste) is made from: Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), Rakta Chandana (red sandalwood, Pterocarpus santalinus), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum, cardamom), Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard), Nisha Yugma (Curcuma longa and Berberis aristata), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), and Balaka (Pavonia odorata).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
By applying a paste of Yashti (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), Indivara (blue lotus, Nymphaea stellata), Mridvika (raisins, Vitis vinifera), sesame oil, and ghee, Indralupta (alopecia areata) is cured and the hair becomes dense and strong.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
This nourishing paste combines the anti-inflammatory licorice with cooling blue lotus and nutritive raisins in an oil-ghee base.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Nilotpala (blue lotus, Nymphaea stellata), Daru (Cedrus deodara), Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Madhuka (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Bala (Sida cordifolia), mixed with ghee and decoction -- this destroys Vata-type Visarpa (erysipelas/herpes).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The intense pain caused by the fall of the surgical instrument on the body is pacified by irrigation with warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra / licorice) (42).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Key principles: (1) Only close clean wounds, (2) Post-op lifestyle restrictions, (3) Seasonal adjustment of wound care frequency, (4) Emergency exceptions to protocol, (5) Warm ghee with licorice for post-surgical pain — licorice has proven anti-inflammatory properties.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Milk boiled with saindhava (rock salt), udicya, yashtimadhu (licorice), and pippali (long pepper), reduced to half — is beneficial for irrigation (seka) and also for ashchyotana (eye drops).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Madhuka (licorice), rajani (turmeric), pathya (haritaki), and devadaru (cedar) should be ground.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Draksha (grapes), audra, chandana (sandalwood), yashtimadhu (licorice), yoshit-tira, and rajyanka — ground to a paste with ghee, these are recommended for tarpana (eye nourishment), seka (irrigation), and nasya (nasal therapy).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.