Licorice for Constipation: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with constipation (Vibandha)? Yes, in a gentle and specific way that most laxative discussions overlook. Licorice's structured properties record a laxative action alongside its better-known demulcent, expectorant, and rejuvenative effects. The Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9, classifies Madhuka (Licorice) and Mrdvika (raisins) as having similar qualities, though it notes that dry grapes have a mild purgative action while Madhuka alone is gentler still. This is the right frame for Licorice on constipation: not a forceful purgative, but a soothing, lubricating, anti-inflammatory bowel tonic.
The Ayurvedic case rests on Licorice's distinctive property profile. It is sweet and slightly bitter in taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and most importantly Snigdha (unctuous). Constipation is fundamentally a dryness problem driven by aggravated Vata in the large intestine, where most pungent laxatives further desiccate the colon and harsh stimulants strip its lining. Licorice does the opposite: it coats the gut, soothes inflammation, and adds gentle lubrication. Its dosha effect is VP- (pacifies Vata and Pitta), the exact two doshas that drive the most uncomfortable constipation patterns, the dry-and-spasmodic Vata type and the hot-and-incomplete Pitta type.
Licorice's slot in the constipation toolkit is therefore narrow but important. It is the herb to reach for when constipation comes with burning, irritation, or inflammation: a hot rectum, an irritated gut lining, hemorrhoidal discomfort, or constipation following a course of antibiotics or NSAIDs. It is also pregnancy-relevant in low doses and short courses, where harsher options like castor oil, Haritaki, and Senna are contraindicated. Its action is mild; you will not get an explosive bowel movement from Licorice the way you do from castor oil. What you get instead is a calmer, less painful, slightly easier passage, and over a few weeks, a gut that is less inflamed and more able to do its own work.
How Licorice Helps with Constipation
Licorice's action on constipation layers three classical mechanisms, each tied directly to its property profile. The herb is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), unctuous (Snigdha), and pacifies both Vata and Pitta. This combination is unusual: most laxative herbs are either pungent and hot (which dries the colon) or strongly purgative (which strips it). Licorice is neither.
Demulcent Lubrication of the Colon
The most distinctive mechanism is demulcency. The structured properties record Licorice as a demulcent and laxative, and its high mucilage content coats and softens the intestinal lining. Constipation in Ayurveda is, at its root, a dryness condition: aggravated Vata withdraws moisture from the Pakvashaya (large intestine), stools harden into pellets, and Apana Vayu stalls. Licorice's unctuous quality directly counters this. It is the same property that makes it the classical pick for ulcers and inflamed mucous membranes, and that action extends down the entire digestive tract.
Pitta Pacification in the Gut
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Pitta Shamaka (cools Pitta) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) among Licorice's primary actions. Pitta-type constipation is the hot, congested, incomplete-evacuation pattern, often marked by burning during defecation, yellow or greenish stools, bad breath, and irritability. Most stimulant laxatives worsen this picture by adding more heat. Licorice cools the inflamed gut lining while still nudging transit forward, which is why it is the more appropriate choice when constipation comes with heat. Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana Chapter 5, specifically notes Licorice's anti-inflammatory action when paired with warm ghee for post-surgical pain, the same demulcent-cooling logic that applies to an inflamed colon.
Soothing the Vata Nervous System
Licorice is also a classical Medhya (intellect-supporting) and sedative herb, and modern pharmacology shows it modulates cortisol via its action on the HPA axis. This matters because stress-driven constipation, the kind that worsens during travel, anxiety, or hurried meals, is fundamentally a nervous-system aggravation of Apana Vayu. By calming the Vata nervous system and reducing the cortisol surge that suppresses peristalsis, Licorice addresses the upstream emotional cause that purely mechanical laxatives leave untouched.
How to Use Licorice for Constipation
Licorice for constipation is best understood as a gentle daily tonic, not an acute laxative. The forms and doses are tuned for slow, sustainable improvement of bowel comfort, especially when constipation comes with burning, inflammation, or a Pitta-aggravated gut.
Forms and Doses for Constipation
| Form | Dose | Best For | Anupana / How to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) | 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily | Pitta-type constipation with burning, irritation, or post-antibiotic gut inflammation | Mixed in warm water before meals; or stirred into warm milk at bedtime for Vata-Pitta dryness. |
| Licorice tea | 1 cup, 1-2 times daily | Daily soothing tonic; mild constipation with hemorrhoid sensitivity | Simmer 1 tsp Licorice root in 2 cups water 10 min; strain; sip warm between meals. |
| Licorice with warm milk and ghee | 1 tsp Licorice + 1 cup warm milk + 1 tsp ghee | Vata-Pitta dryness with hard stools, hot rectum, sensitive gut lining | Stir Licorice into warm milk; add ghee; drink before bed. Pregnancy-friendly in low doses (consult practitioner). |
| Licorice + Triphala | Pinch of Licorice with 1 tsp Triphala | Inflammation-aggravated constipation; gut-healing phase | Steep in warm water 10 min; drink 30 min before bed. Licorice softens Triphala's astringency. |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) | 1-2 tablets (380-760 mg) | Anyone with high blood pressure, edema, or who needs long-term use | Chew 20 min before meals; avoids glycyrrhizin's blood pressure effect while retaining the gut-soothing action. |
Timing and Course
Expect comfort changes (less burning, easier passage, calmer abdomen) within 5 to 10 days. Real transit improvement, where you are reliably going without straining, usually takes 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use alongside the right diet and hydration. Limit standard Licorice to short courses of 6 to 8 weeks; for longer-term daily use, switch to DGL.
Pattern-Matching
For Pitta-type constipation (burning, incomplete evacuation, irritability, yellow stools): Licorice is a primary herb; combine with Avipattikar Churna or Triphala. For Vata-type constipation with dry pellet stools but also a hot or irritated rectum: pair Licorice with Haritaki for the laxative action and Licorice for the soothing. For pregnancy: only DGL in modest doses, under practitioner guidance. Skip Licorice entirely in Kapha-type heavy sluggish constipation, its sweet, cold, unctuous quality will worsen the picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for constipation?
Slowly, by design. Licorice is a gentle demulcent laxative, not a stimulant, so you should expect comfort improvements (less burning, easier passage, calmer abdomen) within 5 to 10 days. Reliable transit improvement usually takes 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use. If you need an overnight bowel movement, this is not the herb; reach instead for Triphala or Haritaki.
Is Licorice safe for daily long-term use for constipation?
Standard whole-root Licorice should be limited to 6 to 8 weeks of continuous daily use. Its main active compound, glycyrrhizin, can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention in some people through an aldosterone-like effect. For longer-term use, switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which removes the glycyrrhizin while keeping the gut-soothing demulcent action. Avoid Licorice entirely if you have high blood pressure, edema, kidney issues, or are on potassium-lowering medications.
Can I take Licorice for constipation during pregnancy?
Only with practitioner guidance, and only in low doses. Licorice can affect cortisol metabolism and hormonal balance in pregnancy, and high doses are associated with preterm risk. Psyllium husk with warm milk is the classical pregnancy-safe alternative for constipation, and the standard remedy described in Ayurvedic home protocols. Triphala and castor oil are explicitly contraindicated in pregnancy.
Licorice vs Triphala for constipation, which is better?
Different tools. Triphala is the universal daily bowel regulator, working across all three dosha types and gently nudging transit forward. Licorice is the specialist for inflammation-driven and Pitta-type constipation, where burning, irritation, or a sensitive gut lining is part of the picture. Many practitioners combine them: 1 teaspoon Triphala with a pinch of Licorice before bed, where Licorice softens Triphala's astringency and adds anti-inflammatory comfort.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Constipation
If you want to start using Licorice for constipation tonight, here is the simplest starting point used in classical home protocols.
Best Form
For most people the best entry point is Licorice powder stirred into warm milk with ghee before bed. The combination softens hard stools, soothes a hot or inflamed rectum, and is gentle enough to use most nights. If you have high blood pressure, edema, or want to use it longer than 6 weeks, switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets chewed 20 minutes before meals.
Kitchen Version
Stir 1 teaspoon of Licorice powder into 1 cup of warm milk. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee. Drink 30 minutes before bed. For stubborn cases, add a pinch of Licorice to 1 teaspoon of Triphala in warm water instead, the Licorice softens Triphala's astringency.
Dosha Fork
If your constipation is the Pitta-type (burning, incomplete evacuation, irritability, yellow stools): Licorice is a primary herb. Combine with Triphala or Avipattikar Churna. If it is Vata-type with dry pellet stools but a hot or sensitive rectum: pair Licorice with Haritaki, Haritaki does the laxative work, Licorice keeps it gentle. Skip Licorice in Kapha-type heavy sluggish constipation; its sweet, cold quality worsens the picture.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Find DGL Tablets ↗
Safety: Avoid standard Licorice if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, edema, or are on potassium-lowering or blood pressure medications. Limit continuous use to 6-8 weeks; switch to DGL for longer protocols. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before use in pregnancy.
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 Constipation
See all herbs for constipation on the Constipation 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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