Licorice for Bleeding Gums: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with bleeding gums (Dantamula Raktasrava)? Yes, and the classical authority is unusually direct. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga classifies Yashtimadhu as Dantya, beneficial to the teeth and gums, and as Rakta-Stambhaka, a herb that arrests abnormal bleeding. For the most common form of bleeding gums, the Pitta-Rakta picture of red, swollen, tender gum tissue that oozes at the slightest touch, Licorice is the textbook match.
The Ayurvedic reasoning is built on Licorice's property profile. It is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pacifies Vata and Pitta while mildly increasing Kapha. Classical texts list its key actions as Vrana Ropana (wound healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying), and Kanthya (soothing the throat and oral mucosa). Every one of those actions targets a different layer of Dantamula Raktasrava, the inflamed Pitta in blood (Rakta Pitta) that drives active bleeding, the swollen tissue around the gum margin, and the raw, irritated mucous membrane that struggles to heal between brushings.
Licorice also doubles up where most gum herbs only do one thing. Neem and Triphala are bitter or astringent and excellent against plaque and bacteria, but they can feel harsh on already inflamed tissue. Licorice is sweet and soothing, which is why it is paired with them in classical tooth powders: it cools and coats while the bitters disinfect. For Pittaja-pattern gingivitis with hot, tender, bleeding-on-touch gums, Licorice is one of the most consistently recommended single herbs in the Ayurvedic oral toolkit.
How Licorice Helps with Bleeding Gums
Licorice works on bleeding gums through three parallel mechanisms, each grounded in a separate classical action and each backed by a different line of modern research.
The first is Pitta-cooling at the blood layer. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu as Pitta Shamaka and Rakta-Stambhaka, a herb that both cools Pitta and arrests bleeding. Classical pathology places Dantamula Raktasrava in the Rakta Pitta family of disorders: excess Pitta accumulating in Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and erupting at the gum margin as inflammation and hemorrhage. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet taste address exactly this layer, dampening the heat that drives the bleeding rather than just stopping the bleed mechanically.
The second is direct anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action on the gum tissue. The same classical text lists Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vrana Ropana (wound healing) among Yashtimadhu's primary karmas. Modern research has located the mechanism: glycyrrhizin, the major sweet glycoside in licorice root, has documented cortisol-sparing and anti-inflammatory activity, and the flavonoids glabridin and liquiritigenin reduce the same COX-2 and NF-kB inflammatory pathways implicated in chronic periodontal disease. The herb's documented action on bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, demonstrated in microbiology studies of glycyrrhizin against Streptococcus mutans and other oral pathogens, makes it useful for the plaque-and-biofilm layer as well, the Ama at the gum line in classical terms.
The third is mucous-membrane soothing. The Bhavaprakash names Licorice the prime Kanthya drug, the throat and oral-mucosa coater. Its sweet, viscous nature physically coats the irritated gum surface and protects it between brushings, while the cold potency and demulcent action moisten what acidic foods, hot drinks, and aggressive brushing have dried out. This is why Licorice is the natural pair for the bitter, astringent gum herbs: Neem kills the bacteria, Triphala tightens the tissue, and Licorice soothes and rebuilds the membrane in between.
How to Use Licorice for Bleeding Gums
For bleeding gums specifically, Licorice is used topically more than internally. The gum margin is the site of action, so the form needs to reach the tissue directly and stay there long enough to do its work. Three classical preparations cover almost every presentation.
Form 1: Licorice Mouthrinse (Kavala / Gandusha)
The simplest and most reliable starting point. Simmer 1 teaspoon of Licorice root powder in 2 cups of water for 10 to 12 minutes, reduce by half, strain, and cool to a comfortable warm. Swish a mouthful slowly around the gums and teeth for 1 to 2 minutes, then spit. Repeat with a second mouthful. Use morning and evening after brushing. The bitter-sweet decoction coats the inflamed gum tissue and delivers glycyrrhizin and the flavonoid fraction directly to the site.
Form 2: Licorice Tooth Powder
For daily maintenance and the Kapha-Pitta plaque-with-bleeding pattern, mix Licorice powder into a herbal tooth powder. A classical combination is Licorice with Neem and Triphala in roughly equal parts. Wet a fingertip, dip into the powder, and rub gently along the gum line for 1 minute. Spit, rinse with cool water. Licorice's sweet quality offsets the bitterness of Neem and makes the daily use sustainable.
Form 3: Direct Gum Massage Paste
For acutely sore, hot, bleeding-on-touch gums, make a paste of Licorice powder with a few drops of warm water or honey. Apply with a clean fingertip directly to the affected gum margin, leave 2 minutes, then rinse. The local contact gives the strongest demulcent and anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage Table
| Form | Dose | Anupana / Method | Frequency | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decoction mouthrinse | 1 tsp powder in 2 cups water, reduced to 1 cup | Warm water; swish 1 to 2 min, spit | Twice daily after brushing | 4 to 6 weeks, then reassess |
| Tooth powder blend | Pinch on wet finger | Rub along gum line, spit, rinse | Twice daily | Ongoing maintenance |
| Direct gum paste | 1/4 tsp powder with warm water or honey | Apply to inflamed area, leave 2 min, rinse | Once or twice daily during flare | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Internal (supportive only) | 250 to 500 mg powder or 1 cup warm decoction | With warm water, before meals | Once or twice daily | Cap at 4 to 6 weeks, then break |
Anupana and Pairings
For Pittaja bleeding (hot, red, tender gums), pair Licorice with cool water and a small amount of honey. For Vata-pattern receding or sensitive gums, take the decoction with a teaspoon of warm sesame oil swished afterwards (a mini oleation step for the gum margin). For Kapha-pattern boggy, plaque-heavy gums, combine with Neem and a pinch of black pepper in the tooth powder to cut through the heaviness.
Duration Expectations
Most people notice less bleeding on brushing within 5 to 10 days of consistent twice-daily mouthrinse use. Full settling of inflammation in mild gingivitis typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Licorice mouthrinse is safe to continue indefinitely. Internal use should be capped at 4 to 6 week courses with breaks, because sustained internal glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and disturb potassium. For mouthrinse and topical use, almost none of the glycyrrhizin is absorbed systemically, so the pressure caveat does not apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for bleeding gums?
Most users see noticeably less bleeding on brushing within 5 to 10 days of twice-daily Licorice mouthrinse use. Visible reduction in redness and tenderness usually follows in the second week. Full settling of mild gingivitis typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent topical use, paired with proper brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. If there is no improvement by week 3, the cause is unlikely to be reachable by herbal mouthrinse alone, see a dentist to rule out periodontitis or systemic causes.
Do I still need a dental cleaning if I use Licorice mouthrinse?
Yes. Licorice mouthrinse reduces inflammation, soothes the gum tissue, and slows bacterial adhesion, but it does not remove hardened tartar (calculus). Hardened deposits below the gum line have to be physically scraped off by a hygienist. Think of Licorice as the herb that helps your gums heal and stay healthy between cleanings; the cleanings themselves are still part of the protocol. In moderate-to-severe gingivitis or any periodontitis, professional cleaning is non-negotiable.
Is Licorice safe to use long-term for gum health?
As a topical mouthrinse or in tooth powder, yes, Licorice is safe for long-term daily use. Very little glycyrrhizin is absorbed through the oral mucosa, so the blood-pressure caveat that applies to internal Licorice does not apply to swish-and-spit use. Internal Licorice (capsules, decoction swallowed) is a different matter: sustained high-dose internal use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, so cap internal courses at 4 to 6 weeks and break between courses, especially if you have hypertension, edema, or are on diuretics or steroids.
Licorice vs Neem vs Triphala for bleeding gums?
They do different jobs and work best together. Neem is the bitter antimicrobial that targets the bacteria and biofilm driving plaque-related bleeding. Triphala is the astringent that tightens spongy, swollen gum tissue and is rich in vitamin C from its Amla component. Licorice is the sweet, cooling, mucosa-soothing herb that calms the inflammation and helps the tissue heal between brushings. For Pittaja (hot, red, tender) bleeding gums, Licorice is the lead herb. For Kapha (boggy, plaque-heavy) gums, lead with Neem and use Licorice as the soother. For active, fast bleeding from spongy tissue, lead with Triphala or Coconut oil-pulling. The classical tooth powder combines all three.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Bleeding Gums
If you want to start using Licorice for bleeding gums today, here is the simplest starting point.
Best form: Licorice root powder used as a twice-daily mouthrinse. Simmer 1 teaspoon of powder in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, strain, cool to comfortable warm, and swish around the gums for 1 to 2 minutes after brushing. The decoction puts glycyrrhizin and the flavonoid fraction directly on inflamed gum tissue, where it does the most work.
Kitchen version: If you cannot find Licorice powder, a Licorice tea bag (unflavoured) steeped in hot water for 10 minutes and cooled works as a starter mouthrinse. It is weaker than the decoction but better than nothing during a flare.
Dosha fork: If your gums are red, hot, tender, and bleed easily on touch (Pittaja pattern), Licorice mouthrinse alone is the right starting point. If your gums are pale, spongy, with heavy plaque and bad breath (Kaphaja pattern), combine Licorice with Neem powder. If your gums are receding, dry, cold-sensitive (Vataja pattern), pair Licorice rinse with a quick sesame-oil swish (oleation applied to the gum margin) after.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Triphala Powder ↗
Persistent bleeding gums, especially with loose teeth, pus, jaw pain, or easy bruising elsewhere on the body, need a dental and medical evaluation; rule out periodontitis, vitamin C deficiency, or a clotting disorder before relying on herbal mouthrinse alone.
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 Bleeding Gums
See all herbs for bleeding gums on the Bleeding Gums 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.