Licorice for Anxiety: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with anxiety (Chittodvega)? Yes, and the classical authority is direct. The Charaka Samhita includes Yashtimadhu among the Medhya Rasayana herbs, the small, elite group of rejuvenatives specifically named for nourishing the mind and intellect. Its very name translates as "sweet stick", and that sweetness is not just culinary, it points to its Madhura Rasa, the taste that classical Ayurveda considers most directly pacifying to aggravated Vata, the dosha that drives most anxiety.
The energetic profile fits the condition cleanly. Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and its dosha effect is VP- K+, it pacifies both Vata and Pitta while building rather than burning the tissues. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Medhya (improves intellect and nervous function), Balya (strengthening), and Pitta Shamaka (cools Pitta) among its core karmic actions. The classical description includes "mental calming" and the broader category of Vrana Ropana (wound healing), where the wound in anxiety is the depleted nervous tissue itself.
Where licorice fits is the depleted, exhausted edge of anxiety, the kind that arrives after months of broken sleep, irregular meals, and adrenal fatigue. Editorial Ayurvedic literature describes licorice as a specific Rasayana for Vata: sweet, heavy, and unctuous, it directly pacifies the dry, mobile quality of aggravated Vata. It is particularly useful when anxiety has a strong adrenal exhaustion component, which classical Ayurveda would frame as depleted Ojas and burnt-out Majja Dhatu Agni. The herb does not sedate, it rebuilds.
One important distinction. Licorice's natural place is alongside the lead nervines, not in their stead. Ashwagandha steadies the system, Brahmi clears the mind, Jatamansi cools and calms, and Yashtimadhu is the sweet adrenal-rebuilder underneath them. It also acts as a Yogavahi (carrier and synergist) for other nervines, which is why classical formulas like Saraswatarishta include it alongside Brahmi and Shatavari for nervous-system rejuvenation.
How Licorice Helps with Anxiety
Licorice's action on anxiety rests on three classical mechanisms, each tied to a specific property in its energetic profile. The herb is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and unctuous (Snigdha), with a VP- K+ dosha effect. That combination delivers exactly the qualities aggravated Vata is asking for, sweetness, coolness, oiliness, and weight, and exactly the qualities that calm Pitta when anxiety carries an irritable, overheated edge.
1. Medhya Rasayana, Direct Nourishment of the Nervous Tissue
The Charaka Samhita classifies Yashtimadhu among the Medhya Rasayana, the small group of herbs explicitly named for rebuilding the intellect and the nervous system. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Medhya at the centre of its karmic actions. In anxiety, the failing tissue is Majja Dhatu, the nervous tissue, and its associated Manovaha Srotas, the mind channels. A Medhya Rasayana does not sedate, it feeds, which is why a few weeks of licorice can produce the kind of mental steadiness that no acute calming agent can match.
2. Vata Pacification Through Sweet, Heavy, Unctuous Quality
Most anti-anxiety herbs work either by sedating the mind or by cooling overheated Pitta. Licorice works by addressing the structural depletion that lets Vata aggravate in the first place. Vata's qualities are dry, light, mobile, irregular. Licorice's qualities are exactly the opposite, sweet, heavy, unctuous, stable. The classical principle of vipareeta guna chikitsa, treatment by opposite qualities, applies precisely here. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu includes Balya (strengthening) among its core actions, and editorial Ayurvedic tradition describes it as nourishing what modern medicine would call the adrenal system. This is the layer at which the burned-out, wired-tired pattern of chronic anxiety actually heals.
3. Cooling Pitta-Type Anxiety and Soothing the Heart-Mind
For the hot, irritable, perfectionist face of anxiety, with hot flushes, acid reflux under stress, and a mind that will not switch off, licorice's Sheeta Virya (cold potency) and Pitta Shamaka action address the heat directly. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names Pitta Shamaka explicitly. The classical description also includes mental calming and supportive action on the heart, where palpitations and chest tightness sit; the cool, soothing, demulcent quality of licorice is exactly what an overstimulated, acid-burning Pitta-anxious system needs. It is for the same reason that the classical formulation Saraswatarishta includes Yashtimadhu alongside Brahmi and Shatavari for Vata-Pitta nervous-system disorders.
How to Use Licorice for Anxiety
For anxiety, Licorice works best as a sweet, milk-based daily Rasayana rather than as a strong tea. Pair it with a lead nervine like Ashwagandha or Brahmi; licorice supplies the depletion-rebuilding sweetness underneath them.
Forms and Doses for Anxiety
| Form | Dose | Best For | Anupana / How to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu Churna (powder) | 1-3 g/day | Daily Vata-Pitta rebuild; adrenal exhaustion-type anxiety | Stir into warm milk with a small spoon of ghee; sip before bed or in the late afternoon when Vata rises |
| Licorice powder with ghee | 1/2 tsp | Sweet Rasayana lehya for cumulative depletion, dry skin, anxious exhaustion | Mix 1/2 tsp licorice powder into 1 tsp ghee; lick slowly; follow with warm water; once daily |
| Saraswatarishta (classical formula) | 15-30 ml twice daily | Established nervous-system disorders, anxiety with memory and speech disturbance | After meals, mixed with an equal quantity of water; contains licorice with Brahmi, Shatavari, Vidarikanda |
| Licorice-Brahmi tea | 1 cup, twice daily | Pitta-type anxiety with heat, irritability, headaches at the temples | 1/2 tsp each of licorice and Brahmi powder in 1 cup hot water; steep 10 minutes; sweeten with rock sugar; sip warm |
Timing and Anupana
The classical anupana (vehicle) for Yashtimadhu in anxiety is warm milk with a small amount of ghee. This carries the sweet, building action directly to Majja Dhatu, the nervous tissue. Take it in the late afternoon (4-6 p.m., when Vata rises) or an hour before bed. For Pitta-type anxiety with heat, swap ghee for a teaspoon of rock sugar and use cooler milk.
Dosha-Specific Adjustments
- Vata-type anxiety (depleted, sleepless, cold-handed, exhausted): licorice in warm milk with ghee is a precise match. Pair with Ashwagandha for the daytime steadier.
- Pitta-type anxiety (hot, irritable, perfectionistic, acid reflux under stress): licorice-Brahmi tea or licorice in cooler milk works well; its cooling action calms the burn underneath the irritability.
- Kapha-type anxiety (withdrawn, heavy, foggy): use with caution. Licorice is heavy and sweet, both Kapha-aggravating qualities. If used, take small doses with warming herbs like Tulsi.
Duration Expectations
Licorice is a Rasayana, not an acute calmer. Expect a noticeable shift in baseline anxiety, sleep quality, and resilience over four to eight weeks of daily use, not within a few days. The pattern most people describe is "less reactive, more steady" rather than "more sedated".
Important Safety Note
Licorice can raise blood pressure and cause potassium depletion at higher doses or with long uninterrupted use. Do not use if you have hypertension, oedema, kidney disease, low potassium, or are on diuretics. Cycle with breaks (six weeks on, two weeks off) for any course longer than two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does licorice take to work for anxiety?
Licorice is a Medhya Rasayana, a rejuvenative for the nervous system, not a fast-acting calmer. Expect noticeable changes in baseline anxiety, sleep, and resilience over four to eight weeks of daily use. The pattern people describe is "less reactive, steadier" rather than "more sedated". For same-day relief during an episode, pair it with grounding practices like warm sesame oil (Abhyanga) and a warming nervine such as Ashwagandha milk.
Is licorice safe for daily anxiety use?
For most people in small daily doses (1-3 g of powder), yes. The cautions are real but manageable. Avoid licorice if you have high blood pressure, oedema, kidney disease, low potassium, or are on diuretics. Even healthy users should cycle the herb, six to eight weeks on, two weeks off, rather than indefinite continuous use, because long uninterrupted dosing can affect potassium and blood pressure. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) avoids these issues but loses some of the classical Rasayana action.
Licorice vs Ashwagandha for anxiety, which should I start with?
Ashwagandha is the first-line and stand-alone choice for most anxiety. Licorice is best layered on top when there is a strong depletion, adrenal-exhaustion, or burnt-out picture, dry, exhausted, with poor sleep and waning resilience. The two work synergistically and are often combined in classical formulas like Saraswatarishta. If you are choosing one to begin, start with Ashwagandha; add licorice after a few weeks if depletion is still prominent.
What is the best form of licorice for anxiety?
For the depleted, dry, Vata-type anxiety pattern, the classical form is Yashtimadhu Churna (powder) taken in warm milk with a small spoon of ghee. The sweet, oily, warm vehicle carries the Rasayana action directly to Majja Dhatu. For Pitta-type anxiety with heat, a licorice-Brahmi tea is better. Avoid concentrated licorice extracts unless monitored by a practitioner, the powder is the form classical texts prefer.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Anxiety
If you want to start using Licorice (Yashtimadhu) for anxiety tonight, here is the simplest classical starting point.
Best form for this pair: Yashtimadhu Churna (licorice root powder), taken in warm milk with a small spoon of ghee. This vehicle carries the herb's sweet, building Medhya Rasayana action directly to Majja Dhatu, the nervous tissue.
Kitchen Version
Warm 1 cup of milk gently. Stir in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu Churna and 1/2 teaspoon of ghee. Sip slowly an hour before bed, or in the late afternoon (4-6 p.m.) when Vata rises and anxious wakefulness often begins. Do this nightly for four to eight weeks for the Rasayana effect.
Dosha Fork
- Vata-type anxiety (depleted, sleepless, exhausted, cold-handed): the warm milk with ghee preparation is the precise match. Pair with Ashwagandha milk for the daytime grounder.
- Pitta-type anxiety (hot, irritable, perfectionistic): skip the ghee, swap for 1 teaspoon of rock sugar. Pair with Brahmi for the cognitive overrun.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Pair with Ghee ↗
Safety: Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure, oedema, kidney disease, low potassium, or are taking diuretics. Cycle six to eight weeks on, two weeks off, for longer use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on prescription anxiety or blood-pressure medication, consult a practitioner before starting.
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 Anxiety
See all herbs for anxiety on the Anxiety 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.