Licorice for Breast Abscess: Does It Work?
Yes, Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is a classical and well-matched supportive herb for breast abscess (Stana Vidradhi), particularly for the hot, dry, inflamed, post-drainage and post-antibiotic phases. The condition is a Pitta-Kapha-Rakta complex in the breast tissue with Ama underneath. Licorice is sweet and slightly bitter in rasa, cold in virya, V-P pacifying and K-aggravating in excess, and it acts as a demulcent, inflammation-soother, mucous-membrane tonic, and tissue-healer.
For an active hot abscess, Licorice's strengths are anti-inflammatory cooling and tissue-soothing rather than direct anti-microbial action. It earns its place in the early Ama stage of mastitis (when burning, throbbing pain and inflamed tissue dominate), in topical pastes paired with cooling herbs around the inflamed area, and in low internal doses during the post-drainage phase to support clean tissue healing and calm Pitta. Yashtimadhu Ghrita and topical Yashtimadhu pastes are referenced in classical wound and inflammation care.
A practical caution: Licorice is K-aggravating in excess, can raise blood pressure with prolonged high doses, and is not a herb to take in heavy doses for long stretches, especially in the postpartum period. Used in measured doses, short courses, and ideally a deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) for repeated internal use, Licorice is a thoughtful adjunct inside a doctor-led plan, not a standalone treatment for an active abscess.
How Licorice Helps with Breast Abscess
Breast abscess is a Pitta-Kapha-Rakta inflammation, often Ama-driven, that has progressed to suppuration. Licorice maps onto the Pitta-Rakta side of the picture with unusual precision. Its sweet (Madhura) and slightly bitter (Tikta) rasa with cold virya directly counter the Pitta Prakopa (heat excess) that drives inflammatory swelling, throbbing pain, and pus formation. Its mucous-membrane tonic and demulcent action soothe inflamed tissue, and its tissue-cleansing and healing reputation makes it a long-standing component of classical wound and sore-throat formulas.
In the breast specifically, Licorice's value lies in three areas. First, anti-inflammatory cooling: it tempers Pitta and Rakta heat without aggravating Vata or dryness. Second, mucous-membrane and tissue-soothing action: post-drainage wounds and post-antibiotic mucosal irritation benefit from this. Third, mild adrenal and resilience support: a postpartum mother battling repeated infection and disrupted sleep gets a steady, gentle lift. The active constituent glycyrrhizin has documented anti-inflammatory and tissue-soothing actions in modern research, plus broad-spectrum effects on inflammatory mediators.
The mechanism point is also about boundaries. Licorice is not a direct anti-microbial powerhouse like Neem, nor a wound-healing scraper like Turmeric. Its job in the breast-abscess protocol is cooling, soothing, and tissue-supportive, used in measured doses that respect its K-aggravating tendency and blood-pressure profile. Inside that scope, it is a well-matched adjunct for the hot, inflamed, irritated tissue picture that defines Stana Vidradhi.
How to Use Licorice for Breast Abscess
For breast abscess, Licorice is best used in two forms: a short, measured internal preparation for systemic Pitta-Rakta cooling and tissue support, and a cooling topical paste around the inflamed area. Because Licorice can aggravate Kapha and raise blood pressure with prolonged high doses, dose and duration matter more here than with many other herbs.
Internal: low-dose powder, ghee preparation, or DGL
For a short course alongside medical care, 1 to 2 g of Yashtimadhu powder in warm milk or warm water, once or twice daily, for up to 2 weeks. Yashtimadhu Ghrita, a classical ghee-processed Licorice preparation, is a more tissue-soothing internal option, 1/2 teaspoon twice daily for up to 2 weeks. For repeated or longer use, deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) in capsule form is the safer choice, as it reduces the blood-pressure and electrolyte effects of glycyrrhizin.
Topical: cooling paste with Sandalwood or Turmeric
1 teaspoon Yashtimadhu powder mixed with rose water (or with Sandalwood paste base) into a thin paste. Apply around the inflamed area, not on the nipple, broken skin, or directly over a fluctuant or draining lesion. Leave 30 to 45 minutes, then wash gently with cool water. Effective in the early Ama stage of mastitis and as a soothing application during recovery.
| Form | Dose | Anupana / Vehicle | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu powder | 1 to 2 g once or twice daily | Warm milk or warm water | After meals | Up to 2 weeks |
| Yashtimadhu Ghrita | 1/2 tsp twice daily | Plain, with warm water as chaser | Before meals | Up to 2 weeks |
| DGL capsule | Per product label (often 380 mg, 1 to 2 capsules) | With water | Twice daily | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Topical paste | 1 tsp powder with rose water or Sandalwood base | External, around inflamed area | Once or twice daily, 30 to 45 min | Until acute inflammation settles |
Lactation safety notes
Short courses of culinary-to-modest medicinal Licorice in breastfeeding are generally considered acceptable, and Yashtimadhu features in classical postpartum formulas. However, high-dose or long-term Licorice can affect blood pressure and electrolytes in both mother and (less well studied) baby. Prefer DGL for repeated use, keep courses to 2 weeks unless a practitioner guides longer use, and check in if you have hypertension, are on diuretics, or have any cardiac concerns. Stop if your baby develops unusual fussiness or fluid changes.
What to expect
Used alongside antibiotics and any indicated drainage, Licorice's contribution is felt as calmer, less burning local tissue, less throat and gut irritation from antibiotics, and steadier postpartum resilience, over 5 to 14 days. It is a soother and supporter, not a primary anti-infective. If fever does not settle within 48 hours of antibiotics, the lump becomes fluctuant, or symptoms worsen, return to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice safe while breastfeeding?
Short courses of culinary-to-modest medicinal Licorice (up to about 2 weeks) are generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding, and Yashtimadhu features in classical postpartum formulas. High-dose or long-term Licorice can raise blood pressure and disturb electrolytes, so prefer deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) for repeated use, keep courses short, and confirm with your practitioner, especially if you have hypertension, take diuretics, or have cardiac concerns.
How long does Licorice take to help with breast abscess?
Used alongside antibiotics and any indicated drainage, Licorice's soothing and anti-inflammatory effects are usually felt over 5 to 14 days as calmer, less burning local tissue and steadier post-antibiotic gut and mucosal recovery. It is a supportive herb, not a primary anti-microbial. If fever does not settle within 48 hours, the lump becomes fluctuant, or symptoms worsen, return to your doctor.
Can I apply Licorice paste directly on the abscess?
No. Apply the paste around the inflamed area, not on the nipple, broken skin, or directly over a fluctuant or draining lesion. Topical herbs over a confirmed abscess can drive inflammation and obscure clinical signs. Around the inflamed area, especially mixed with a Sandalwood or Turmeric base, Licorice paste is a gentle cooling adjunct.
Licorice or Sandalwood for breast abscess?
They pair well rather than competing. Sandalwood (Chandana) is the cooler, more astringent and Pitta-pacifying topical of the two, ideal for marked redness and throbbing heat. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is sweeter, more demulcent, and more tissue-soothing, useful internally in low doses and topically blended with Sandalwood for combined cooling and softening. A classical pattern is a Sandalwood-Yashtimadhu paste around the inflamed area, with low-dose internal Licorice or DGL for tissue support.
Can Licorice replace antibiotics for mastitis or abscess?
No. Mastitis can progress to a full abscess in a meaningful percentage of inadequately treated cases, and once pus has formed, surgical drainage is the indicated treatment. Licorice supports recovery and tissue healing; it does not match the antimicrobial strength of antibiotics for an active staphylococcal infection. Any fever above 38.5C, fluctuant lump, spreading redness, or worsening symptoms warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Breast Abscess
If you want to add Licorice to your breast abscess recovery, here is the simplest starting point.
Best form for this pair: a deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) capsule for safer, longer internal use, or low-dose Yashtimadhu powder for short courses. Topically, blend Yashtimadhu powder with rose water or with Sandalwood paste, applied around the inflamed area.
Kitchen version: 1 teaspoon Yashtimadhu powder steeped in 1 cup warm milk for 5 minutes, sipped slowly once or twice daily for up to 2 weeks; or 1 teaspoon powder mixed with cool rose water to a thin paste, applied around (not on) the inflamed area for 30 to 45 minutes.
Dosha fork: If the picture is Pitta-hot and burning (sharp throbbing pain, marked redness, fever), Licorice is well matched; pair topically with Sandalwood and internally with cooling fluids. If Kapha-Ama stagnant (heavy, dull, congested, low-grade fever), keep Licorice short and low-dose to avoid worsening Kapha; lead with Turmeric and (under guidance) Neem instead. If Vata dryness or cracked nipples, Yashtimadhu Ghrita is the friendliest internal form.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Yashtimadhu Powder ↗
Safety: A breast abscess is a medical condition. Any fever above 38.5C, fluctuant lump, spreading redness, or worsening symptoms warrants immediate medical evaluation; some cases require surgical drainage or IV antibiotics. Avoid high-dose or long-term Licorice if you have hypertension, take diuretics, or have cardiac concerns; verify lactation safety and dosing with your practitioner before starting.
Safety & Precautions
Licorice is one of the most-used herbs on earth, but it is also one of the very few Ayurvedic herbs with a well-documented, dose-dependent side-effect profile. The active compound glycyrrhizin is the reason for both its power and its cautions. The good news: nearly all of the risk is avoidable by understanding dose and form.
The Hypertension Warning (Read This First)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which allows cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors. The practical result is pseudoaldosteronism, the body behaves as if aldosterone is elevated. This means:
- Sodium and water retention, blood pressure rises
- Potassium loss through urine, risk of hypokalaemia
- In extreme cases: muscle weakness, arrhythmia, and oedema
Classical Ayurveda describes this directly: Licorice "increases water around the heart" and is contraindicated in hridroga (heart disease) and swelling. Modern cardiology agrees. Do not take therapeutic doses of whole-root Licorice if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, low potassium, or a history of stroke. For any of these, DGL is the safe alternative.
Dose Matters Enormously
The difference between "daily tonic" and "adverse event" is dose and duration:
- Culinary/trace amounts (a piece of root in tea, a lozenge), safe for virtually everyone
- 1-3 g/day of powder, short-term (up to 4-6 weeks), safe for most healthy adults
- Above 3 g/day, or daily for months, real risk of BP elevation and potassium loss, even in previously healthy people
- DGL, no glycyrrhizin, effectively no BP risk at any typical dose
Drug Interactions
Licorice can meaningfully interact with several common medications. If you are on any of the following, consult your doctor before using therapeutic doses:
- Diuretics (especially thiazides and loop diuretics), compounds potassium loss dangerously
- Digoxin, low potassium increases digoxin toxicity risk
- Corticosteroids, Licorice extends their half-life and effect
- Warfarin, may alter bleeding risk
- Blood pressure medication, Licorice directly opposes the drug's action
- Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, phyto-oestrogenic effect may potentiate
- Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics, Licorice can affect blood sugar in either direction
Pregnancy and Nursing
Classical Ayurveda states plainly: do not use in pregnancy. Modern observational data aligns, high Licorice intake during pregnancy is associated with preterm labour and second-trimester bleeding risk. Small culinary amounts and DGL are likely fine, but therapeutic whole-root use should be avoided. During breastfeeding, small amounts appear safe, but avoid prolonged high-dose use.
Other Cautions
- High Kapha individuals, Licorice's sweet, heavy, moist qualities can aggravate Kapha and worsen oedema, congestion, or sluggishness. Combine with ginger or black pepper to offset.
- Low potassium diet, Licorice increases potassium excretion. Pair with potassium-rich foods (banana, spinach, coconut water).
- Calcium absorption, chronic high-dose use may interfere with calcium absorption; classical texts flag caution in osteoporosis.
- Hypoglycaemia, Licorice can lower blood sugar; take with food if prone.
Signs You Are Taking Too Much
Watery weight gain, puffy face, ankle swelling, muscle weakness or cramps, headaches, and unexplained BP elevation. If any of these appear, stop immediately, effects usually resolve within 1-2 weeks once the herb is discontinued.
Other Herbs for Breast Abscess
See all herbs for breast abscess on the Breast Abscess 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.