Licorice for Dehydration: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, यष्टिमधु) help with dehydration (Trishna)? Yes, in a specific restorative role. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu among the herbs that rebuild Rasa Dhatu, the plasma tissue that dehydration depletes. Where cooling drinks like coriander and watermelon address the acute thirst, Licorice is the deeper Rasayana herb that restores the tissue base after the fluid loss has been corrected.
Dehydration in Ayurveda is Trishna, named in Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana Chapter 22 (Trishna Chikitsa) as a disorder where the watery base of Rasa Dhatu has been stripped through heat, sweating, fever, or chronic depletion. It is primarily a Pitta aggravation with secondary Vata dryness. Licorice fits this picture cleanly. It is sweet and bitter in rasa, cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), sweet in vipaka, and pacifies Vata and Pitta together (VP- K+). Its core actions named in classical sources include Balya (strengthening), Vrishya (tissue-building), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying). As a demulcent mucous-membrane tonic, it soothes the dry inflamed tissues that dehydration leaves behind.
Licorice is the lead pick when dehydration presents with weakness, dryness of mouth and throat, hoarse voice, low energy, and recovery from prolonged heat or illness. Modern research also notes licorice's adrenal-support effect through its action on cortisol metabolism, useful in chronic stress dehydration patterns. It is less appropriate as a primary acute rehydration drink (coconut water and Aam Panna do that job more cleanly); think of Yashtimadhu Hima as the restorative second-line drink that rebuilds depleted tissue. Critical caution: licorice raises blood pressure with sustained use, so it must be limited or avoided entirely in people with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease. Severe dehydration with confusion or near-fainting is a medical emergency requiring intravenous fluids.
How Licorice Helps with Dehydration
Dehydration in the classical model is Trishna: depletion of the watery base of Rasa Dhatu driven by Pitta heat and worsened by Vata dryness. Licorice addresses this picture differently from the cooling drinks. It does not flush the kidneys or replace electrolytes; it rebuilds the depleted tissue base and restores the body's ability to hold water.
Madhura Rasayana action restores Rasa Dhatu
Licorice is one of the principal Madhura Rasayanas, sweet rejuvenative herbs, in the classical materia medica. Its sweet taste and sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka) directly nourish Rasa Dhatu, the plasma and lymph tissue layer that dehydration empties. Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu among the herbs that work on all seven tissues, with Balya (strengthening) and Vrishya (tissue-building) actions. After a fever, summer exertion, or chronic depletion has stripped the body, Licorice helps the tissues hold what is rehydrated rather than letting it pass straight through.
Demulcent mucous-membrane tonic soothes dry tissues
The classical description of Licorice names it as a mucous-membrane toner and soother. The dry mouth, hoarse voice, parched throat, and irritated gut lining that follow dehydration all respond to this demulcent action. Licorice's natural glycoside compounds coat and soothe the dried mucosa, letting it heal as water returns. This is why Yashtimadhu Hima, the cold infusion, is a classical follow-up to acute dehydration: the demulcent layer settles the inflamed surfaces that the rehydration drinks have already partly addressed.
Adrenal support for chronic stress dehydration
Modern pharmacology has documented licorice's action on the adrenal-cortisol axis. Glycyrrhizin, the principal sweet glycoside, inhibits the enzyme that breaks down cortisol, leaving more circulating cortisol available. For chronic dehydration patterns tied to adrenal fatigue, low blood pressure, and salt-craving, this effect is therapeutically useful. The Ayurvedic framing matches: Licorice is described as a herb that "strengthens the system," a generalised tonic for depletion. Note that this same effect produces sodium retention and potassium loss with sustained high doses, which is why the herb must be limited in hypertension.
Licorice does not work alone. The classical pattern is to use cooling rehydration drinks (coconut water, Aam Panna, Dhanyaka Hima) for the acute thirst, then move to Yashtimadhu Hima or licorice in warm milk as the restorative phase once urine output has returned. Licorice is the rebuilding herb after the emergency has passed.
How to Use Licorice for Dehydration
The classical preparation of Licorice for dehydration is the cold infusion known as Yashtimadhu Hima. Unlike acute rehydration drinks, this is the restorative second-stage preparation: taken after the acute thirst has been addressed, to rebuild Rasa Dhatu and soothe the dry, inflamed tissues that dehydration leaves behind.
Yashtimadhu Hima (Cold Infusion) Recipe
- Take 1 teaspoon (3 to 5 g) of crushed licorice root or coarse powder.
- Add to 1 cup (200 ml) of cool, room-temperature water in a covered glass jar.
- Steep overnight (6 to 8 hours).
- Strain. The water will be pale yellow, distinctly sweet.
- Drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
Yashtimadhu in Warm Milk (Classical Restorative)
The classical description names Licorice as "excellent for acidity, voice, and heart tonic (with warm milk)." For post-illness or post-fever dehydration with weakness and dryness, the milk preparation is a more rebuilding form than the cold infusion.
- Bring 1 cup of milk to a gentle boil.
- Stir in half a teaspoon of licorice root powder (1 to 2 g).
- Simmer for 2 minutes. Strain. Drink warm before bed.
Dosage and Timing
| Form | Dose | Vehicle | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu Hima (cold infusion) | 1 cup (200 ml) | Plain, optionally with rock sugar | Morning, empty stomach |
| Licorice powder in warm milk | 1 to 2 g | Warm milk | Before bed, restorative |
| Licorice root, plain decoction | 3 to 5 g, simmered 5 min | Warm water | Twice a day for dry hoarse voice |
Duration
For acute recovery from dehydration after fever, summer exertion, or illness: 1 to 2 weeks of daily Yashtimadhu Hima or evening milk preparation. For chronic adrenal-fatigue dehydration patterns: maximum 4 to 6 weeks continuous use, then a 2-week break. Long-term continuous licorice raises blood pressure and depletes potassium, so cycling is essential.
Cautions (critical for Licorice)
- Hypertension: licorice raises blood pressure with sustained use. People with high blood pressure should avoid daily use or limit to short courses under practitioner supervision.
- Heart disease and kidney disease: avoid. The sodium retention and potassium loss are clinically meaningful.
- Pregnancy: small culinary doses are fine. Avoid sustained therapeutic dosing.
- Diabetics on medication: licorice can affect potassium and blood sugar; consult your physician.
- On diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids: licorice interacts with all three. Avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Yashtimadhu Hima work for dehydration?
Licorice is not an acute rehydration drink; its action is slower and restorative. Dry mouth, hoarse voice, and post-illness weakness usually start improving within 2 to 4 days of daily Yashtimadhu Hima. Full rebuilding of Rasa Dhatu tissue takes 1 to 2 weeks. For acute thirst within an hour, use Dhanyaka Hima or coconut water first, then move to licorice for the recovery phase.
How does Licorice compare with the other classical rehydration herbs?
Each has its slot. Coconut water is the cleanest electrolyte replacement during the acute thirst. Watermelon is the sweet-cool fruit for summer heat. Aam Panna is the sour-salt-sweet electrolyte panaka for heavy sweat loss. Coriander Dhanyaka Hima is the cleanest cooling drink for burning Pittaja thirst. Pomegranate is the building drink after diarrhoea. Licorice is the deep Rasayana restorative for the recovery phase, when fluids have been replaced but the tissue base is still depleted and dry.
Is it safe to take Licorice every day for dehydration?
Not indefinitely. Licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium with sustained daily use, an effect mediated by glycyrrhizin. The safe pattern is a short course (1 to 2 weeks) for post-illness recovery, or 4 to 6 weeks maximum with a 2-week break for chronic adrenal-fatigue patterns. People with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or on diuretics should avoid daily use entirely. For long-term hydration support without the cardiovascular risk, switch to coriander or coconut water as your daily background drink.
Can I use Licorice for dehydration if I have high blood pressure?
No. Licorice's effect on cortisol metabolism causes sodium retention and potassium loss, which raises blood pressure further. People with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or anyone on diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids should not use therapeutic doses of licorice. Choose Dhanyaka Hima, coconut water, or watermelon instead, all of which support hydration without the cardiovascular load.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Dehydration
If you want to start using Licorice for dehydration recovery today, here is the simplest starting point.
The best form is Yashtimadhu Hima, the classical cold infusion. Licorice is not the acute rehydration drink (use coconut water or Aam Panna for that); it is the deeper restorative for the recovery phase, after the immediate thirst has passed and the tissues need rebuilding. As a Madhura Rasayana, it rebuilds Rasa Dhatu and soothes the dry mucous membranes that dehydration leaves behind.
Kitchen recipe (overnight): Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed licorice root in 200 ml cool water overnight. Strain in the morning, drink on an empty stomach. For evening: simmer half a teaspoon of licorice powder in 1 cup of warm milk for 2 minutes, drink before bed. This is the classical restorative form for post-illness dryness and weakness.
Cause fork: For acute hot/Pitta dehydration (sweating, summer heat, burning thirst), start with Aam Panna and Dhanyaka Hima first, then add licorice once urine output has returned. For post-fever or post-illness depletion with weakness and dryness, licorice in warm milk is the lead restorative.
Find Yashtimadhu Powder on Amazon ↗ Cut Licorice Root ↗
Critical safety: Severe dehydration (confusion, no urination for hours, sunken eyes, near-fainting) is a medical emergency; call emergency services for intravenous fluids. Do not use licorice if you have hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or take diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids. Licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium with sustained use. Limit even healthy adults to 1 to 2 weeks continuous, then break.
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 Dehydration
See all herbs for dehydration on the Dehydration 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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