Licorice for Bad Breath: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Yashtimadhu / Madhuka) help with bad breath (Mukha Daurgandhya)? Yes, in a precise and somewhat counterintuitive role. Licorice is not a freshener in the aromatic sense, it is the sweet, cooling, demulcent that soothes the soft tissue of the mouth and throat when the bad-breath picture comes with dryness, ulceration, post-reflux mucosal burn, or chronic sore throat. Where neem disinfects the biofilm and fennel scrapes Ama, licorice rebuilds the mucosal lining.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1 classifies Yashtimadhu directly as Kanthya, the prime throat-soothing drug, alongside Vrana Ropana (wound healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrishya (rejuvenating), and Pitta Shamaka. For chronic bad breath driven by ulcerated mucosa, oral aphthous ulcers, dry-mouth Vata pattern, or the sour-acid breath of reflux disease, these are exactly the right actions. The herb's dosha effect is VP-K+ (decreases Vata and Pitta, slightly increases Kapha), and the rasa is sweet with secondary bitter, virya is cold, the systems acted on include digestive, respiratory, and nervous, with the action profile recorded as demulcent, emetic, expectorant, laxative, rejuvenative, sedative, tonic. The demulcent and rejuvenative roles are the ones that matter for bad breath.
Classical authority on its oral and throat use is extensive. Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 22 includes Madhuka in the summer gargle formula alongside Kumuda, Utpala, Kalhara, Durva, and Chandana, the classical Gandusha for Pitta-aggravated oral conditions. Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana Chapter 5 records warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu as the post-surgical pain remedy for irrigation, the same anti-inflammatory mucosal action applied to wounded tissue. The Charaka Samhita and Sharangadhara Samhita include licorice in dozens of Pitta-pacifying decoctions, eye preparations, and wound-healing pastes.
Licorice earns its place in bad-breath protocols when the picture is dry, irritated, ulcerated, or post-acid. It is not the primary herb for thick Kapha coating (its slightly Kapha-increasing nature is a relative caution) and it is not the antimicrobial that neem is. It is the rebuilder of the soft tissue that other bad-breath herbs can leave dry or burned.
How Licorice Helps with Bad Breath
Licorice addresses bad breath through three pathways that map onto the mucosal and Pitta-burning patterns of Mukha Daurgandhya: demulcent coating of the oral and esophageal mucosa, anti-inflammatory action on Pittaja gum bleeding and ulceration, and the upstream Pittahara effect on the digestive root that produces acid-reflux odor.
Demulcent coating of oral and esophageal mucosa
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu as Kanthya, the prime throat-soothing drug, with documented demulcent action. In bad-breath patients whose picture includes dry mouth (Vata pattern), sore throat, post-reflux mucosal burn, or chronic mouth ulcers, the volatile compounds that drive the foul odor often arise from inflamed and damaged mucosa rather than only from the bacterial biofilm. The sweet-cold-sticky profile of licorice (sweet rasa, cold virya, demulcent quality) coats and rebuilds this lining. The classical Gandusha formula recorded in Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 22 uses Madhuka with Kumuda, Utpala, and Chandana as a summer gargle, the exact protocol for Pitta-burned oral tissue.
Anti-inflammatory action on Pittaja gum bleeding
The Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vrana Ropana (wound-healing) actions are equally important. Pittaja Mukha Daurgandhya presents with red, swollen, sometimes bleeding gums and oral aphthous ulcers; the volatile sulfur compounds rise from the inflamed tissue and pocketed exudate. Licorice's glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid provide measurable anti-inflammatory action on mucosal surfaces, the same mechanism that Sushruta Samhita exploited when prescribing warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu for post-surgical pain control. For aphthous-ulcer-driven bad breath, this is one of the more reliable interventions in the Ayurvedic toolkit.
Pittahara effect on acid reflux as a breath driver
The third mechanism is upstream. A significant subset of chronic bad-breath patients have acid reflux as the actual source, sour, acidic volatiles rising from the stomach and arriving at the mouth even when the oral cavity itself is clean. Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists licorice as Pitta Shamaka, and its modern, well-documented use for Amlapitta rests on the demulcent coating of the esophageal lining and the gastric mucosa. Licorice (specifically the deglycyrrhizinated form, DGL) is one of the safer chronic-use options for reflux-driven foul breath. Reduce the reflux at its source and the breath odor follows.
Why licorice is not for every dosha pattern
The herb's dosha effect is VP-K+, which means it slightly aggravates Kapha. For the most common bad-breath pattern, thick white Kaphaja tongue coating with mucusy heaviness, licorice is the wrong lead and can deepen the coating. Use it when the picture is Vata-dry or Pitta-burned, or as an adjunct demulcent within a Kapha-clearing protocol led by neem and fennel. The action is precise; pick the dosha pattern first.
How to Use Licorice for Bad Breath
Licorice for bad breath is delivered through three main forms: a slow-chewed root stick, a licorice-and-rose-petal mouth rinse, and a daily licorice tea or DGL chewable that addresses the reflux-driven mucosal layer. Each form targets a different presentation. The root stick freshens immediately, the rinse heals ulcerated tissue, and the internal forms reduce acid reflux as a chronic odor source.
Forms and dosages
| Form | Dose | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice root stick, chewed slowly | One 2-3 inch stick, chewed or sucked | After meals or as a freshener | Post-meal sweet aftertaste, Vata dry-mouth, Pittaja burning breath |
| Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) mouth rinse | Quarter teaspoon in warm water, swished | Once or twice daily after brushing | Aphthous ulcers, gum inflammation, Pittaja gum bleeding with sour breath |
| Licorice tea (decoction) | Half teaspoon root in 200 ml water, simmered 10 minutes | One cup daily, away from BP-sensitive periods | Reflux-driven bad breath, chronic sore throat, mucosal rebuilding |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewable | One tablet (typically 380-400 mg) | Before meals, up to three times daily | Chronic acid reflux as a bad-breath source, long-term safe use |
The practical routine
For chronic bad breath with the Pittaja-gum-bleeding or post-reflux picture, layer licorice over a basic oral routine. Scrape the tongue on waking. Brush twice daily. Add a licorice mouth rinse (quarter teaspoon powder in warm water) after evening brushing, swish for thirty seconds, spit. For the reflux subset, take DGL one chewable before each major meal, or sip a half-cup of licorice decoction in the morning. Pair with fennel after meals for the digestive Ama layer; licorice covers the mucosal layer where fennel cannot reach.
For oral ulcers (a frequent silent cause of foul breath), licorice powder mixed with honey applied directly to the ulcer for two minutes, three times daily, typically resolves the lesion within four to seven days and removes that odor source. The Sushruta Samhita records the warm-ghee-and-licorice mix for post-surgical mucosal pain, the same logic applied to small ulcerated areas.
Cautions
Glycyrrhizin, the sweet active in whole licorice root, has mineralocorticoid activity, prolonged daily use of more than two to three grams can raise blood pressure, cause sodium and water retention, lower potassium, and produce edema. Avoid whole licorice if you have hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or are on diuretics or digoxin. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication, high-dose licorice has been associated with preterm labor. Use the DGL form (the glycyrrhizin removed) for long-term daily use; it retains the demulcent mucosal-healing action without the BP and edema risks. If your bad breath is paired with hypertension or any of the above conditions, lead with neem and fennel rather than licorice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is licorice safe for daily use against bad breath?
Whole licorice root (Yashtimadhu) is safe for short courses of two to four weeks at modest doses. For long-term daily use, the deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) is strongly preferred, it retains the demulcent and mucosal-healing action without the blood-pressure and potassium effects of glycyrrhizin. If you have hypertension, kidney disease, edema, or take diuretics, use DGL only. A slow-chewed root stick once a day after a meal is generally safe for most adults, but watch for any swelling or BP change with prolonged daily use.
Licorice vs fennel for bad breath, which is better?
The two work on entirely different layers and are often used together rather than as alternatives. Fennel is the post-meal carminative that addresses Ama in the gut as the upstream cause; chew the seeds after lunch and dinner. Licorice is the mucosal demulcent that addresses dry, ulcerated, or post-reflux oral tissue; use as a slow-chewed stick or a rinse. For the typical bad-breath patient with both indigestion and a mildly inflamed mouth, both herbs in their respective forms are the right protocol.
Does licorice help with the bad breath of acid reflux specifically?
Yes, this is one of its strongest roles. Reflux-driven bad breath comes from acidic, volatile compounds rising from the stomach and esophagus to the mouth even when the oral cavity itself is clean. Licorice (particularly the DGL form, taken before meals) coats and rebuilds the esophageal and gastric mucosa, reduces the reflux at its source, and over weeks resolves the odor along with the heartburn. Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as Pitta Shamaka, the precise action for Amlapitta.
Can I use licorice if I have a Kapha-type thick white tongue coating?
Licorice is not the right lead for Kapha-pattern bad breath. The herb's dosha effect is VP-K+, meaning it slightly aggravates Kapha, and the sweet-sticky-demulcent quality can deepen the wet white coating rather than scrape it. For thick Kaphaja coating, lead with neem and warming carminatives like ginger and cumin. If you also have aphthous ulcers or burning gums alongside the Kapha picture, a small short-course of licorice rinse can be added without aggravation.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Bad Breath
If your bad breath comes with dry mouth, oral ulcers, post-reflux burning, bleeding inflamed gums, or chronic sore throat, Licorice is the mucosal-healing herb the Ayurvedic toolkit reaches for. It is the precise opposite of an antimicrobial scrubber, it rebuilds and coats the soft tissue that other bad-breath herbs can leave dry, while addressing the upstream acid reflux that many chronic foul-breath patterns trace back to.
Best form: slow-chewed root stick plus DGL chewable
The everyday-life form is a 2-3 inch licorice root stick chewed or sucked slowly after meals, sweet, demulcent, and immediately coating the oral tissue. For the reflux subset, the most clinically useful long-term form is DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewables taken before meals; this gives the mucosal protection without the glycyrrhizin BP risk and is safe for long-term daily use.
Kitchen version
A daily licorice tea: half a teaspoon of crushed root simmered in 200 ml of water for ten minutes, sipped warm. For an oral rinse, quarter teaspoon of Yashtimadhu Churna (licorice powder) stirred into warm water and swished after evening brushing. For oral ulcers as a specific source, licorice powder paste with honey applied directly to the ulcer for two minutes, three times daily.
Dosha fork
For Ama-coated tongue (Kapha pattern, thick white wet coating): licorice is not the lead, switch to neem mouthwash and fennel after meals. For Kaphaja bad breath with mucusy throat: small short-course only; not the primary herb. For Pittaja gum bleeding (red inflamed gums, oral ulcers, sour reflux-tinged breath): licorice is the lead, rinse plus DGL before meals plus a daily tea works.
Find Licorice (Yashtimadhu) on Amazon ↗ DGL Chewable Tablets ↗
Whole licorice has real cautions: more than two to three grams of glycyrrhizin daily can raise blood pressure, cause edema, and lower potassium. Avoid whole licorice in hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, pregnancy, or with diuretics; use the DGL form instead. If bad breath persists despite three to four weeks of oral hygiene plus licorice, and especially if it comes with sweet ketotic odor (diabetes), fishy ammonia odor (kidney/liver), chronic sinus pressure, or heartburn most days, clinical evaluation is warranted before extending home remedies.
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 Bad Breath
See all herbs for bad breath on the Bad Breath 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.