Licorice for Brain Inflammation: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with brain inflammation (Mastishka Shotha)? Yes, in a specific supporting role during the recovery phase after the acute infection has been stabilised by conventional medicine. Licorice is one of only four herbs the Charaka Samhita names as a Medhya Rasayana, the supreme category of mind-rejuvenating tonics. The other three are Brahmi (Mandukaparni), Guduchi, and Shankhpushpi.
Ayurveda frames encephalitis as Mastishka Shotha, swelling and inflammation of the brain driven by Ama (metabolic toxins) and aggravated Vata invading Majja Dhatu, the nerve and marrow tissue. The Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 10 (Apasmara Chikitsa), describes Ama accumulation in the head and the three doshas entering Hridaya as the mechanism behind seizure-spectrum disorders. The post-encephalitic picture overlaps directly with this description: residual cognitive fog, irritability, sleep disturbance, depleted Majja, and the burning Pitta-Rakta heat that lingers after the acute fever subsides.
Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), with a VP- K+ dosha effect. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1 classifies it as Medhya (intellect-promoting), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-cooling). For post-encephalitic recovery, these three karmas matter: the Medhya action supports the depleted nerve tissue, the Shothahara action helps settle the residual neuroinflammation, and the Pitta-cooling action addresses the burning Pitta-Rakta heat the classical description names directly. Licorice is best understood as a cooling, calming carrier in convalescence formulas led by Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric, not as a standalone treatment for the inflammation itself.
How Licorice Helps with Brain Inflammation
Licorice supports the post-encephalitic brain through three connected mechanisms, each tied to a specific layer of the Mastishka Shotha recovery pattern.
Pitta-Rakta cooling in the inflamed nerve tissue
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1 classifies Licorice as Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), with primary action on inflamed mucosa and burning Pitta heat. Encephalitis classically presents with Pittaja Shiroroga features: burning sensations in the head, fever, visual disturbances, and the inflammatory cascade Sushruta describes in Uttara Tantra Chapters 25-26. Licorice's sweet-bitter rasa and cold virya counter this heat directly. Its sweet quality also rebuilds Majja Dhatu, the nerve tissue that gets depleted during the acute inflammatory phase. The classical description of Licorice in the herb's own overview notes that it "nourishes the brain, increasing cranial and cerebrospinal fluid", exactly the layer of Mastishka Shotha recovery that needs restoration.
Medhya Rasayana action on cognitive recovery
The Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 1, lists Yashtimadhu as one of four Medhya Rasayana herbs alongside Mandukaparni, Guduchi, and Shankhpushpi. For post-encephalitic recovery, the Medhya action targets the residual cognitive fog, slow processing, word-finding difficulty, and the depleted Manovaha Srotas (mind-carrying channels) that the inflammation leaves behind. Licorice is the cooling, sweet, sattvic Medhya in the group, distinct from the more activating Brahmi or the immune-modulating Guduchi. It pairs naturally as a synergist (Yogavahi) in classical Medhya formulas, which is why it sits in Saraswatarishta alongside Brahmi and Shatavari for nervous-system rejuvenation.
Glycyrrhizin neuroprotection and adrenal support
Modern research lines up with the classical picture. Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid have documented anti-inflammatory action, including reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) that drive neuroinflammation. Glycyrrhizin has also been studied for its neuroprotective effect on the blood-brain barrier and against viral neurotropic activity, the exact mechanism relevant to post-viral encephalitis recovery. The herb's mild cortisol-supporting action, through inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, helps the depleted adrenal-nervous axis that often persists after a severe inflammatory illness. The same mechanism is why blood pressure must be monitored: sustained internal Licorice raises blood pressure through aldosterone-like activity, so courses are kept short and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is preferred when daily use is needed.
How to Use Licorice for Brain Inflammation
For post-encephalitic recovery, Licorice is used as a supporting cooling herb in compound Medhya formulas, not as a standalone treatment. The acute infection must be managed in hospital; Licorice enters the protocol once the patient is medically stable, the fever has resolved, and the work of rebuilding depleted Majja Dhatu begins.
Best preparation form for convalescence
For sustained daily use over 4 to 6 weeks, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) capsules are the safest form because they sidestep the blood-pressure side effect of whole-root preparations. For shorter intensive courses, a slow-simmered licorice decoction in warm milk with ghee uses the classical milk-and-ghee anupana to carry the Medhya effect into the nerve tissue. The compound formula Saraswatarishta brings Licorice together with Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, and Shatavari in the balanced proportions classical practice uses for post-illness cognitive recovery.
| Form | Dose | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| DGL capsules | 400 to 600 mg, 1 to 2 times daily | The safest sustained form; no blood-pressure effect; take with warm water before meals; courses of 6 to 8 weeks |
| Licorice decoction + warm milk + ghee | 1 tsp powder simmered in 1 cup milk with 1/2 tsp ghee | Bedtime; for the most directly nourishing Medhya effect on depleted nerve tissue; courses of 4 weeks with monitoring |
| Saraswatarishta (classical compound) | 15 to 20 ml with equal water, after meals | For brain fog, anxiety, speech disturbance, sleep fragmentation during recovery; under qualified Ayurvedic practitioner |
| Brahmi Ghrita (classical ghee preparation) | 1 to 2 tsp with warm milk twice daily | Contains Licorice and Brahmi in medicated ghee; the ghee carries the herbs across the blood-brain barrier; for deep Majja rejuvenation |
Anupana by recovery pattern
- Pitta-pattern recovery (residual burning, irritability, photophobia, post-fever heat): Licorice decoction in cool milk with rock candy (Mishri); pairs naturally with Brahmi for cognitive cooling.
- Vata-pattern recovery (anxiety, sleep fragmentation, depletion, tremor): Licorice in warm milk with ghee; pairs with Ashwagandha for grounding and adrenal rebuilding.
- Mixed Pitta-Vata recovery: Saraswatarishta as the classical compound that handles both layers.
- Kapha-heavy recovery (heaviness, dullness, congestion): Licorice in smaller proportions only as part of compound formulas, since its sweet quality alone can amplify Kapha; pair with Turmeric and Guduchi.
Duration and safety limits
Plain whole-root Licorice should be kept to 4 to 6 week courses with a 4-week break because sustained daily use raises blood pressure through aldosterone-like activity. DGL has no such limit and can be taken longer. Anyone with hypertension, edema, kidney disease, or who takes potassium-wasting diuretics must use DGL only, or avoid Licorice altogether. Pregnancy is a contraindication. The slow rebuild of post-encephalitic cognition is measured in months, not weeks, so the long-arc work is done by Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Nasya; Licorice is the cooling, sweet supporting herb in that protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Licorice treat encephalitis on its own?
No. Acute encephalitis is a medical emergency requiring hospital care, antiviral or antibiotic treatment, and neurological monitoring. Licorice has no role in the acute infection. Its place is in the convalescence phase, weeks to months after the acute illness, when the patient is medically stable and the work of rebuilding depleted nerve tissue and clearing residual neuroinflammation begins. Used at this stage as a Medhya Rasayana supporting herb, it pairs with Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric in compound formulas.
How long does Licorice take to help with post-encephalitic recovery?
The slow rebuild of post-encephalitic cognition is measured in months. Most people taking a Licorice-led Medhya protocol notice incremental improvement in brain fog, sleep, and mood over 4 to 8 weeks, with deeper recovery (memory, processing speed, emotional regulation) continuing over 3 to 6 months. The acute anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin can be felt within the first 2 to 3 weeks. Licorice works best as part of a broader protocol that includes Nasya, ghee in the diet, sleep before 10 PM, and stress reduction.
Can I take Licorice with blood pressure medication or other prescription drugs?
Use caution. Whole-root Licorice raises blood pressure through aldosterone-like activity and can interact dangerously with antihypertensives, potassium-wasting diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids, and digoxin. If you take any of these or have a history of hypertension, edema, kidney disease, or heart failure, use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) only, which removes the glycyrrhizin and the blood-pressure risk. Anti-epileptic medications, common after post-encephalitic seizures, should also be flagged with your neurologist before starting any herbal protocol.
Licorice vs Brahmi or Ashwagandha for brain inflammation recovery, which is better?
They do different jobs and work best together. Brahmi is the primary Medhya for cognitive rebuilding, the lead nootropic that crosses the blood-brain barrier and reduces neuroinflammatory markers directly. Ashwagandha is the grounding adaptogen that lowers cortisol, steadies Vata, and rebuilds depleted Ojas. Turmeric is the systemic anti-inflammatory anchor. Licorice sits underneath these as the cooling, sweet, Pitta-pacifying carrier and synergist, the herb that softens the residual heat and supports the adrenal-nervous axis. The classical compound Saraswatarishta combines several of them. Licorice is rarely the standalone choice; it is the Medhya supporting herb that makes the lead herbs work better.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Brain Inflammation
If you want to start using Licorice (Yashtimadhu) for post-encephalitic recovery today, here is the simplest entry point.
Best form
For sustained daily use, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) capsules, 400 to 600 mg once or twice daily with warm water. DGL removes the glycyrrhizin that raises blood pressure, so it can be taken safely for 6 to 8 weeks alongside Brahmi and Ashwagandha.
Kitchen version
Simmer 1 teaspoon of plain licorice root in 1 cup of milk for 10 minutes, add 1/2 teaspoon of ghee, drink warm at bedtime. Use for 2 to 4 weeks only, then switch to DGL or take a 4-week break. This pairs the Medhya action with the brain-penetrating quality of ghee.
Dosha fork
- Pitta recovery (residual heat, irritability): Licorice with Brahmi in cool milk.
- Vata recovery (anxiety, sleep, tremor): Licorice with Ashwagandha in warm milk and ghee.
Find DGL Licorice on Amazon ↗ Saraswatarishta Tonic ↗
Safety: Avoid whole-root Licorice if you have hypertension, edema, kidney disease, heart failure, or take potassium-wasting diuretics; use DGL instead. Do not use in pregnancy. Check all herbs against post-encephalitic anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory medications with your neurologist 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 Encephalitis
See all herbs for encephalitis on the Encephalitis 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.