Licorice for Debility: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, यष्टिमधु, Madhuka) help with debility and weakness? Yes, particularly for the dry, hot, depleted Vata-Pitta pattern of debility that follows respiratory illness, voice strain, chronic ulcers, or burnout. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1 describes Licorice as one of the most frequently used drugs in Ayurveda and lists its actions as Balya (strengthening), Vrishya (aphrodisiac, reproductive-tissue-building), Medhya (intellect-promoting), Kanthya (throat-soothing), Varnya (improves complexion), and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying).
The fit is structural. Licorice is sweet and bitter in rasa, cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and Vata-Pitta pacifying with a slight Kapha-increasing tendency (VP- K+). This is the rare combination that nourishes depleted Vata tissues without further aggravating residual Pitta heat, which is exactly the pattern in post-fever convalescence, chronic respiratory debility, voice loss after long illness, and the burnout that comes with stress-driven inflammation. The Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9 places Madhuka (Licorice) and Mridvika (grapes) together as substances with similar Brimhana-style nourishing qualities.
This is also why Licorice appears in the classical convalescence and respiratory tonic formulations. It is a key ingredient of Sitopaladi Churna and Talisadi Churna, the two foundational post-illness recovery powders. Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10 lists Madhuka alongside Vidari, Jivanti, Gokshura, milk, and sugarcane in the sweet, tissue-rebuilding category, the substances classical Ayurveda assigns to slow rebuilding after depletion.
How Licorice Helps with Debility
Licorice addresses debility through three connected mechanisms that map onto its sweet-cooling-rejuvenative profile.
Sweet, cooling Brimhana for Vata-Pitta depletion
Licorice's sweet rasa, cold potency (Sheeta Virya), and unctuous quality nourish the depleted tissues without further aggravating Pitta heat. This matches the pattern of debility that follows long fevers, chronic infections, voice strain, ulcer disease, and prolonged stress, all of which combine Vata wasting with residual Pitta inflammation. The Bhavaprakash karma listing names Balya (strengthening), Vrishya (reproductive-strength-building), and Varnya (complexion-improving), the action terms that map directly to convalescence. Tissue listing is "all," meaning Licorice feeds the full Dhatu chain rather than targeting one tissue.
Mucosal healing, anti-inflammatory, and adrenal-axis support
Modern research on Licorice centers on glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, the active compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective effects. Licorice is a documented demulcent (mucous membrane soother), expectorant, anti-ulcer agent, and adrenal-axis modulator. In debility states involving chronic stress, post-COVID recovery, gastric ulcer disease, or chronic respiratory weakness, this multi-system action is what makes Licorice useful where simple food-based Rasayanas fall short. The herb supports endogenous cortisol activity, which is especially relevant in the exhausted-but-inflamed picture of long-stress debility.
Medhya and Sattvic action on mind and nerves
Classical Ayurveda lists Licorice as Medhya (intellect-promoting) and treats it as a Sattvic herb, one that supports clarity and contentment rather than stimulation or sedation. In the debility picture this matters: post-illness states often present with low motivation, foggy thinking, voice weakness, and emotional flatness, all of which slow recovery. Licorice's nourishing action on the brain and nervous system, combined with its throat-soothing Kanthya action, makes it especially suited to the convalescence after voice strain, prolonged speaking, respiratory illness, or chronic mental exhaustion. The Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 18 includes Licorice in its Vamana (emesis) and post-purification protocols, reflecting its role both in clearing and in the gentle rebuilding that follows.
How to Use Licorice for Debility
For debility, Licorice works best in small to moderate doses sustained over weeks, especially when the debility involves chronic respiratory weakness, voice loss, ulcer history, or post-fever Vata-Pitta depletion. Large doses can cause water retention and elevated blood pressure, so dose discipline matters more with Licorice than with many other Rasayanas.
Best form for debility: Yashtimadhu powder in warm milk
The classical preparation is 1 to 3 grams (half to one teaspoon) of Yashtimadhu root powder simmered in a cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee, taken once or twice daily. The milk-and-ghee anupana amplifies the Brimhana (bulk-building) effect and softens the slightly bitter aftertaste. For voice and respiratory debility, the same dose mixed with honey (added once warm milk has cooled to drinking temperature) is the classical Kanthya format.
Forms and dosing
| Form | Dose | Best Use in Debility |
|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu powder (root) | 1 to 3 g (1/2 to 1 tsp) once or twice daily | Standard form, in warm milk with ghee |
| Sitopaladi Churna | 3 to 6 g twice daily with honey | Post-fever, post-respiratory illness convalescence; classical recovery powder |
| Talisadi Churna | 3 to 6 g twice daily with honey | Convalescence after cough, asthma, chronic respiratory debility |
| Yashtimadhu Ghrita | 1/2 to 1 tsp twice daily | Deep tissue rejuvenation; post-ulcer, post-burnout cases |
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 20 to 40 ml twice daily | When milk is contraindicated; especially for ulcer-driven debility |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) | As labeled | For long-term use when blood pressure or water retention is a concern |
Anupana and timing
Warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee is the classical anupana for Yashtimadhu in debility, taken in the morning or at bedtime. For voice and throat debility, honey (added after milk has cooled) is the preferred carrier. For ulcer-driven debility, plain warm water or the herb's decoction is safer than milk in early treatment. Avoid taking Licorice with cold water or on an aggravated Kapha stomach.
Duration and dose discipline
Plan for eight to twelve weeks minimum to feel meaningful change in stamina, voice, and respiratory function. Three to six months is standard for full convalescence. Important: long-term high-dose Licorice (more than 5 grams a day for several months) can cause water retention, low potassium, and elevated blood pressure due to the glycyrrhizin content. For sustained daily use beyond eight weeks, either keep the dose at 1 to 3 grams a day or use the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form. Take pulse breaks every two to three weeks of two to three days off the herb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for debility?
Plan for eight to twelve weeks minimum to feel meaningful change in stamina, voice, and respiratory resilience, and three to six months for full convalescence after major illness, prolonged stress, or chronic ulcer disease. Licorice is a Rasayana-class herb that works on the long Dhatu-rebuilding arc. The first changes most people notice are smoother voice and easier breathing within two to three weeks, then steadier energy, then weight and tissue gain in the second and third months.
Is Licorice safe to take long-term for debility?
Yes if dosed conservatively, no if taken in large amounts for many months. The active glycyrrhizin in Licorice can cause water retention, low blood potassium, and elevated blood pressure when used in large doses (more than 5 grams a day) over extended periods. For sustained daily use beyond eight weeks, keep the dose at 1 to 3 grams a day, or use the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form which retains the mucosal-healing benefits without the cardiovascular effect. Pulse the herb (a few days off every two to three weeks) and skip Licorice if you have hypertension, kidney disease, or are on diuretics or corticosteroids.
Licorice or Ashwagandha for weakness?
They address overlapping but distinct patterns. Ashwagandha is hot, slightly drying, and best for Vata-Kapha debility with anxiety, insomnia, muscle wasting, and stress collapse. Licorice is cold, sweet, unctuous, and best for Vata-Pitta debility involving voice loss, chronic respiratory weakness, ulcer history, post-fever convalescence, and adrenal exhaustion with inflammation. For mixed cases, the two can be combined: Ashwagandha milk at night, Licorice with morning Sitopaladi for the throat-respiratory layer. For pure post-respiratory or ulcer-driven debility, Licorice is the better starting point.
Can I take Licorice with blood pressure or potassium-affecting medications?
Discuss this with your doctor before combining. Licorice's glycyrrhizin content can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and interfere with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, and digoxin. Use the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form to sidestep these interactions while keeping the mucosal-healing benefits. Persistent debility with weight loss, fever, breathlessness, or pallor needs medical workup; rule out anemia, thyroid dysfunction, infection, or malignancy before assuming nutritional debility.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Debility
If you want to start using Licorice for debility today, here's the simplest starting point:
The classical first form is 1 to 3 grams (half to one teaspoon) of Yashtimadhu (Licorice) root powder simmered in a cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee, taken once or twice daily. The milk-and-ghee anupana amplifies the Brimhana (bulk-building) effect and softens the slightly bitter aftertaste. For voice or post-respiratory debility, Sitopaladi Churna (which contains Licorice as one of its main herbs) with honey is the classical convalescence powder.
Kitchen version
Half a teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder, half a teaspoon of ghee, simmered in a cup of full-fat milk for three to four minutes. Sweeten with a small amount of jaggery or unrefined sugar once cooled. Take in the morning or at bedtime. Add a quarter teaspoon of dry ginger for Kapha-heavy mornings.
Dosha fork
- Vataja debility with voice loss or dry cough: Yashtimadhu in warm milk with ghee at night, plus Sitopaladi with honey in the morning.
- Pittaja debility with ulcer history, burning, or post-fever heat: Yashtimadhu Kashaya (decoction) twice daily, paired with Amla in the morning.
- Mixed convalescence after long illness: Sitopaladi Churna with honey twice daily, plus Chyawanprash in the morning.
- Long-term daily use, or for those with high blood pressure: Use deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) Licorice to keep mucosal benefits while avoiding cardiovascular effects.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Sitopaladi Churna ↗
Persistent weakness with weight loss, fever, breathlessness, or pallor needs medical workup; rule out anemia, thyroid dysfunction, infection, or malignancy before assuming nutritional debility. Avoid Licorice if you have hypertension, kidney disease, low potassium, or are on diuretics, corticosteroids, or digoxin; use deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form for long-term safety.
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 Weakness & Debility
See all herbs for weakness & debility on the Weakness & Debility 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.