Licorice for Conjunctivitis: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with conjunctivitis (Abhishyanda)? Yes, and the classical evidence is unusually direct. The Sushruta Samhita names licorice in two consecutive chapters of the Uttara Tantra dedicated specifically to conjunctivitis, one for the Vata-type and one for the Pitta-type. It is one of the few herbs the classical eye-disease section returns to repeatedly, both as an internal cooling agent and as a topical wash for the inflamed eye.
The Ayurvedic case rests on a property profile built for a hot, weeping eye. 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 Chakshushya (good for the eyes) alongside Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying). For a condition that Ayurveda places squarely in the Pitta-Rakta domain, with discharge, redness, burning, and photophobia, this profile is almost a textbook match.
Milk boiled with rock salt, udicya, yashtimadhu (licorice), and pippali, reduced to half, is beneficial for irrigation (seka) and also for ashchyotana (eye drops).
Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9 (Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha)
Licorice is the lead herb for Pittaja Abhishyanda (burning, intense redness, yellow discharge, photophobia) and for the dry, gritty Vataja Abhishyanda where the eye feels rough and the lids stick. In Kaphaja Abhishyanda (heavy itch, white sticky discharge, morning crusting), licorice is used in compound formulas rather than alone, since its sweet quality could amplify Kapha. Topical use as a strained, particle-free decoction is the safest route; oral use is short-course and supportive.
How Licorice Helps with Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis in Ayurveda is a Pitta-Rakta disorder of Alochaka Pitta, the Pitta sub-type that governs vision and resides at the eye. When systemic heat, sour or fermented food, sun glare, screen strain, or infection drives Pitta upward into the eye channels, the result is the textbook Abhishyanda picture: red conjunctiva, burning, discharge, and lid swelling. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) directly counters this heat excess (Pitta Prakopa), which is why classical eye-disease chapters reach for it before warmer respiratory or digestive herbs.
Three of Licorice's classical actions (Karma) from the Bhavaprakash Nighantu matter here. Chakshushya places it in the small group of herbs explicitly named for the eyes. Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) addresses the swelling of the lids and conjunctiva. Vrana Ropana (wound healing) supports the surface of the conjunctiva when the inflammation has caused micro-erosion. Combined with its sweet, demulcent quality, Licorice forms a soothing film over inflamed mucous membrane, the same mechanism by which it calms a raw throat or an acid-burned stomach lining.
The Sushruta Samhita uses Licorice in two distinct ways for conjunctivitis. As seka (irrigation) and ashchyotana (eye drops), it is boiled in milk with pippali and rock salt for the Vata pattern, where the membrane is dry and gritty. As tarpana (eye nourishment) ground into a paste with sandalwood, grapes, and ghee, it is used for the Pittaja pattern where the eye is hot and reactive. Modern phytochemistry corroborates the classical reading: glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids show documented anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective activity, the same root pharmacology that makes deglycyrrhizinated licorice useful for peptic ulcers also calms inflamed ocular tissue.
How to Use Licorice for Conjunctivitis
For conjunctivitis, Licorice is used both topically as a strained eye wash or compress and internally as a short cooling course. Topical use does the immediate symptomatic work; the internal course addresses the systemic Pitta and Rakta heat that drove the eye inflammation in the first place. Never put crude licorice powder or unstrained decoction into the eye, the classical preparations are filtered to clarity for a reason.
Topical: Licorice Eye Wash (Seka)
The classical Sushruta preparation is licorice boiled in milk with rock salt and pippali. A simpler home version that respects the same logic: simmer half a teaspoon of licorice powder in one cup of water for 5 minutes, allow it to cool completely, then strain through fine muslin or a coffee filter at least three times until the liquid is completely clear and particle-free. Use as a gentle eye rinse two to three times daily. Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.
For the Pittaja pattern (burning, photophobia), keep the wash refrigerator-cool. For the Vataja pattern (dry, gritty), use it slightly warm and add a pinch of rock salt as classical texts suggest.
Topical: Licorice-Ghee Compress
For more chronic or recurrent eye inflammation, a paste of licorice powder mixed with ghee can be applied around the closed eyelids (not on the eyeball itself) for 15 to 20 minutes. This mirrors the classical tarpana logic on a home scale.
Internal: Short Cooling Course
| Form | Dose | Anupana (vehicle) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice powder | 1/4 to 1/2 tsp | Warm milk or warm water | Once or twice daily, after meals |
| Licorice decoction | 30–50 ml | Plain, with a pinch of sugar | Once daily, morning |
| DGL capsule | 1 capsule | Water | Twice daily, before meals |
Anupana matters. Warm milk amplifies the cooling, demulcent action and is ideal for Pittaja and Vataja Abhishyanda. For Kaphaja patterns, a thin honey-water vehicle (after the decoction has cooled to body temperature) prevents the sweet quality from amplifying Kapha.
Duration
For acute viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, a 5 to 10 day course typically covers the natural resolution window. For chronic or recurrent eye inflammation linked to Pitta-Rakta heat, a 2 to 4 week internal course alongside the topical wash is appropriate. Sustained internal licorice use beyond 6 weeks should be avoided without supervision because of its blood pressure effect; topical use does not carry this concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for conjunctivitis?
The topical Licorice eye wash typically gives noticeable symptom relief, less burning, less discharge, within 24 to 48 hours. Most mild viral or bacterial conjunctivitis resolves within 5 to 10 days with consistent twice-daily use of a properly strained wash. Chronic or recurrent cases need a 2 to 4 week course of internal Licorice plus topical use to address the underlying Pitta-Rakta heat.
Can I put Licorice powder directly in my eye?
No. Crude powder or unstrained decoction will cause irritation and possible corneal abrasion. Classical preparations are filtered to a clear, particle-free liquid before being used as seka (irrigation) or ashchyotana (eye drops). Always strain through fine muslin or a coffee filter at least three times until the wash is completely clear before any contact with the eye.
Licorice or Triphala for conjunctivitis, which is better?
They do different jobs and are usually combined. Triphala wash is the all-purpose Ayurvedic eye rinse, mildly astringent, balancing for all three doshas, and the first-line classical home protocol. Licorice is more specifically anti-inflammatory and demulcent for the hot, raw, burning Pitta presentation. For Pittaja Abhishyanda with intense burning, Licorice often gives faster symptom relief; for general or mixed conjunctivitis, Triphala is the safer all-purpose default.
Can I take Licorice with antibiotic eye drops?
Yes, topical Licorice wash can be used alongside prescribed antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis, separate the two by at least 30 minutes so they do not wash each other off the eye surface. Internal oral Licorice has no significant interaction with topical antibiotics, but if you are on oral antibiotics or any blood pressure medication, keep internal Licorice short-course (under 2 weeks) and tell your physician.
What other Ayurvedic herbs work for conjunctivitis?
The classical eye-disease toolkit includes several other strong options. Haritaki is part of the Triphala wash and supports detoxification. Amla is the premier internal cooling and eye-rejuvenating herb. Coriander seed water makes an excellent gentle home eye wash. Aloe Vera gel cooled and applied around the lids is calming for Pittaja patterns. Guduchi works systemically as an internal Pitta-pacifying immunomodulator.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Conjunctivitis
If you want to start using Licorice for conjunctivitis today, here's the simplest starting point:
Best Form: Licorice Root Powder
For conjunctivitis, the most useful form is plain Licorice (Yashtimadhu) root powder. You will use it both as a strained eye wash (the topical workhorse) and as a short cooling internal course in warm milk. Capsules are convenient for the internal dose only, they cannot be used to make the wash.
Kitchen Version
Simmer half a teaspoon of Licorice powder in one cup of water for 5 minutes. Cool completely, then strain three times through fine muslin or a coffee filter until the liquid is crystal-clear and particle-free. Use as a gentle eye rinse twice daily. For internal use, mix 1/4 teaspoon Licorice powder into a cup of warm milk after the evening meal.
Match Your Pattern
- Pittaja conjunctivitis (burning, intense redness, photophobia): use the Licorice wash refrigerator-cool, take internal Licorice in warm cow's milk, pair with cool rose water compresses.
- Kaphaja conjunctivitis (itching, sticky white discharge, morning crusting): keep internal Licorice short and low-dose, prefer the topical wash, and pair with warming herbs like ginger internally.
- Vataja conjunctivitis (dry, gritty, stinging): use the wash slightly warm with a pinch of rock salt, take internal Licorice in warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee for the Brimhana nourishing effect.
Find Licorice Root Powder on Amazon ↗ Triphala Powder (Eye Wash Companion) ↗
Safety: Never put unfiltered herb material directly in the eye. Sustained internal Licorice use beyond 6 weeks can raise blood pressure, keep oral courses short. See an eye doctor immediately if vision is affected, pain is severe, or symptoms persist beyond a week.
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 Conjunctivitis
See all herbs for conjunctivitis on the Conjunctivitis 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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