Licorice for Brain Fog and Memory: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashti) help with brain fog and memory problems (Smriti Bhramsha)? Yes, supportively. Classical Ayurveda places Yashtimadhu in a unique seat: it is one of only four herbs Charaka names as a Medhya Rasayana, the supreme category of mind-rejuvenating tonics. The other three are Brahmi (Mandukaparni), Guduchi, and Shankhapushpi. In practice, Licorice is best understood as a cooling, calming, supportive cognitive herb, not the lead nootropic, but the indispensable carrier and nervous-system soother in formulas led by Brahmi.
The Ayurvedic case rests on a clean property profile. Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pacifies Vata and Pitta while mildly increasing Kapha. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as Medhya (intellect-enhancing), Balya (strengthening), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory). For brain fog, this combination is unusually well-suited to two specific patterns: Vata-Pitta cognitive impairment, where the mind is anxious, exhausted, irritable, and inflamed, and cognitive depletion in children, where Licorice's sweet, gentle nature makes it a safer Medhya than more stimulating herbs.
The first chapter of Chikitsa Sthana enumerates the four Medhya Rasayanas, Mandukaparni, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi, and Shankhpushpi, as the supreme brain-rejuvenating agents. Yashtimadhu Churna is prescribed specifically with milk as the carrier.
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 1 (Rasayana)
Where does Licorice sit relative to the other Medhya herbs? Brahmi is the universal lead for direct Majja Dhatu nourishment. Ashwagandha is the cortisol-driven adaptogen for stress-burnout fog. Shankhapushpi is the recall-specific herb for Smriti impairment. Licorice is what you reach for when the pattern is inflammation, dryness, anxious exhaustion, or learning support in children, and almost always alongside Brahmi rather than alone. It is also the classical anupana, the vehicle, that carries other Medhya compounds into nervous tissue when prepared with warm milk.
How Licorice Helps with Brain Fog and Memory
Licorice acts on brain fog through four connected mechanisms, each tied directly to a property in its classical profile. Together they explain why Yashtimadhu earned its place among Charaka's four Medhya Rasayanas despite being known primarily as a digestive and respiratory herb.
Sweet taste nourishes Ojas and feeds Sattva
Licorice is dominantly sweet (Madhura Rasa) with a sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka). In Ayurveda, sweet taste is the primary builder of Ojas, the vital essence that underlies clarity, contentment, and immune resilience. The classical description of Licorice names this directly: it nourishes the brain, increases cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, and is Sattvic in nature, giving "contentment and harmony". For someone whose brain fog comes from depletion, post-illness recovery, chronic stress, undernourishment, the sweet, building quality is exactly the missing input.
Cold potency cools Pitta-driven inflammation in the nervous system
Licorice has cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and is classified as Pitta Shamaka and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory). This matters because one of the four classical patterns of brain fog is the Pitta-inflammatory picture: sharp-edged frustration, tension headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, and concentration that breaks down under sustained pressure. Modern research has documented that glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce oxidative stress in neural tissue, the same anti-inflammatory action the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes as Shothahara, applied at the level of Majja Dhatu.
Vata-pacifying action calms anxious cognitive exhaustion
The VP-minus K-plus dosha effect makes Licorice a strong pacifier of Vata. Vata-type brain fog is the most common modern pattern: scattered attention, racing thoughts, anxious fog, words slipping mid-sentence, and sleep that is light or broken. Licorice's sweet, heavy, unctuous quality is the classical opposite of Vata's dry, light, mobile nature. Its mild sedative and demulcent action quiets the nervous system without sedating it heavily, which is why the editorial tradition describes it as "mental calming" alongside its calming effect on the throat and stomach.
Adrenal support and cortisol modulation
Glycyrrhizin slows the breakdown of cortisol in the kidneys, which gives Licorice a sustained adrenal-supporting action. This is clinically relevant for brain fog because chronic cortisol elevation directly shrinks the hippocampus, the brain region most central to memory formation. The same property that makes Licorice useful in burnout-pattern fog is the source of its safety limit: prolonged cortisol prolongation eventually raises blood pressure and depletes potassium. The classical anupana with warm milk softens this effect, and the modern DGL form removes it entirely while preserving the demulcent and anti-inflammatory action useful for cognitive support.
How to Use Licorice for Brain Fog and Memory
For brain fog and memory, Licorice is rarely the only herb in the formula. The classical pattern, set in Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 1, is to take Yashtimadhu Churna with milk as the anupana, often paired with one or more of the other Medhya herbs. Here is how to put that into practice.
Best preparation form for brain fog
For cognitive use, the classical form is Yashtimadhu Churna, a fine powder of the dried, peeled root, taken in warm milk. The fat in milk acts as the anupana (vehicle), carrying the fat-soluble flavonoids and saponins across the blood-brain barrier into Majja Dhatu. For long-term use beyond four to six weeks, switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) capsules or chewable tablets. DGL removes the glycyrrhizin compound responsible for the blood-pressure side effect while preserving the demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and Medhya actions relevant to cognition.
Dosage for cognitive support
| Form | Dose | Anupana / Timing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu Churna (powder) | 1–3 g, twice daily | Warm milk; morning and bedtime | Vata-Pitta brain fog; classical Medhya use |
| DGL chewable tablets / capsules | 250–500 mg, twice daily | Before meals; with water | Long-term use; anyone with hypertension or edema concerns |
| Brahmi + Licorice 1:1 powder blend | 1 tsp total (about 3 g), once or twice daily | Warm milk; morning | The most common practical Medhya combination |
| Children (cognitive / learning support) | 0.5–1 g, once daily | Warm milk with a pinch of sugar; morning | School-age learning support; gentle, well-tolerated |
Anupana and pairings tailored to the pattern
- Vata-type brain fog (anxious, scattered, depleted): Licorice powder with warm milk plus a pinch of nutmeg, paired with Ashwagandha at bedtime.
- Pitta-type brain fog (inflamed, frustrated, headache-prone): Licorice with cool milk and rose petal in the morning, paired with Guduchi.
- Children's learning support: Licorice and Brahmi 1:1 in warm milk with sugar, mornings before school.
- Post-viral cognitive impairment: Licorice combined with Guduchi and Brahmi, the classical anti-neuroinflammatory plus Medhya stack.
Duration and what to expect
Cognitive effects from Medhya Rasayanas build slowly. Expect a calming, less-anxious quality of mind within the first one to two weeks, but genuine memory and clarity improvements take six to eight weeks of consistent daily use. Keep whole-root licorice courses to 4 to 6 weeks at a time, followed by a 4-week break, or switch to DGL for sustained use. Track your progress on tongue coating, sleep quality, and the specific cognitive complaint you started with (word-finding, concentration, recall) rather than expecting an immediate stimulant effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for brain fog?
The calming, less-anxious quality of mind shows up within the first one to two weeks of daily use. Genuine memory and concentration improvement is a six-to-eight-week timeline, in line with the broader category of Medhya Rasayanas. Licorice is a tonic, not a stimulant, the effect builds rather than spikes.
Brahmi vs Licorice for brain fog, which one should I choose?
If you have to choose only one, choose Brahmi. Brahmi is the universal lead Medhya Rasayana, with direct nourishing action on Majja Dhatu and the broadest cognitive effect across all three functions (acquisition, retention, recall). Licorice is best understood as Brahmi's classical partner: cooling, calming, and a superior anupana when prepared in milk. The classical practice is to use them together in a 1:1 powder, not to choose between them.
Can I take Licorice for brain fog if I have high blood pressure?
Not in the whole-root form. Glycyrrhizin, the active compound in Licorice, raises blood pressure and depletes potassium with sustained use. If you have hypertension, edema, or take potassium-wasting diuretics, use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) instead. DGL removes the glycyrrhizin while preserving the demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and Medhya properties relevant to cognition. Always flag the use of any licorice form to your physician if you have cardiovascular conditions.
Is Licorice safe for children with concentration or learning difficulties?
Yashtimadhu is one of the gentler Medhya herbs for children. Its sweet taste is well-tolerated, and the classical use of Licorice with warm milk is a recognised pattern for school-age learning support. A typical practical dose is 0.5 to 1 gram once daily in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, in the morning. Pair with Brahmi for stronger cognitive effect. Keep courses to 4 to 6 weeks and consult a paediatric Ayurvedic practitioner for ongoing use.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Brain Fog and Memory
If you want to start using Licorice for brain fog and memory today, the simplest and most classical starting point is a Licorice and Brahmi blend in warm milk.
Best form: a 1:1 powder of Yashtimadhu Churna and Brahmi Churna, taken in warm milk. The fat in milk acts as the classical anupana, carrying both herbs into nervous tissue. This is the practical translation of the Charaka Samhita pattern: Yashtimadhu Churna with milk, paired with the lead Medhya herb.
Kitchen version: Half a teaspoon of Licorice powder plus half a teaspoon of Brahmi powder in 1 cup of warm milk, taken in the morning. Sweeten lightly if needed. For children, halve the dose and add a pinch of sugar.
Pattern fork: If your fog is anxious and scattered (Vata-type), add a pinch of nutmeg and pair with Ashwagandha at bedtime. If your fog is inflamed and frustrated (Pitta-type), use cool milk in the morning and pair with Guduchi twice daily.
Find Licorice Powder on Amazon ↗ DGL Chewable Tablets ↗
Safety: Whole-root Licorice raises blood pressure, depletes potassium, and can cause fluid retention with sustained use. If you have hypertension, edema, heart conditions, or take potassium-wasting diuretics, use the DGL form instead, which removes glycyrrhizin while preserving the cognitive-relevant compounds. Keep whole-root courses to 4 to 6 weeks, then break.
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 Brain Fog & Memory Problems
See all herbs for brain fog & memory problems on the Brain Fog & Memory Problems 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)
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