Herb × Condition

Licorice for Eye Disorders

Sanskrit: Yasshoimadhu | Glycyzrrhiza glabra Linn

How Licorice helps with Eye Disorders according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Licorice for Eye Disorders: Does It Work?

Does Licorice help with eye disorders? Yes, especially the Pitta-driven and dryness-with-irritation patterns: hot, sore, red, light-sensitive eyes; thin tear film with end-of-day burning; sore lids after long screen sessions. Licorice (Yashtimadhu, "the sweet stick") is the herb Ayurveda turns to when the eyes need cooling, softening, and gentle moistening at the same time.

Its dominant rasa is sweet (Madhura) with a secondary bitter, and its potency is cold (Sheeta Virya). That combination cools Pitta without drying tissues, which is exactly what irritated eyes need. Classical practice highlights Licorice as a mucous-membrane soother and a tonic for the tear film. The herb's description in the nighantus explicitly mentions improvement of complexion, hair, and vision.

Licorice is used internally as tea, powder, or as part of classical eye-drop formulas (Aschyotana) where it is processed into ghee, not used raw. Internal use is generally safe in short courses; the main caution is blood pressure and water retention in long-term high doses. Topical eye use must be sterile, properly compounded, and ideally practitioner-supervised.

How Licorice Helps with Eye Disorders

Licorice works on irritated eyes in three connected ways.

Direct cooling of Alochaka Pitta

Burning, red, light-sensitive eyes are the textbook picture of aggravated Alochaka Pitta, the sub-fire of vision. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) brings that fire down directly. Unlike many cooling herbs that also dry tissues, Licorice is sweet-tasting and unctuous in effect, so it cools without depleting the tear film. This makes it useful where the eyes are both hot and dry, the typical mixed Pitta-Vata picture of screen strain.

Soothing mucous membranes

Classical descriptions of Licorice consistently emphasize its action on mucous membranes: it tones, soothes, and protects them. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane, and the action transfers cleanly. Practically, this shows up as less grittiness, smoother blinking, and reduced soreness in the lids by the end of the day. The same mucous-membrane affinity is why Licorice is also a classical voice tonic and throat soother; the mechanism is the same, just at a different tissue.

Supporting Rasa Dhatu, the source of the tear film

Tears come from Rasa Dhatu (plasma) upstream. Licorice nourishes Rasa through its sweet taste and sweet post-digestive effect (implied by its Madhura-dominant profile). Better quality Rasa means a more stable, less irritable tear film over weeks of use. This is why Licorice is paired with Amla in many classical eye protocols: Amla rebuilds the dhatu, Licorice keeps it cooled and supple.

Licorice is generally Vata- and Pitta-reducing but can increase Kapha. For Kapha-type heavy, watery eyes pair it with Ginger in equal parts to balance the effect.

How to Use Licorice for Eye Disorders

Best forms for eye support

For eye disorders, Licorice is used internally as a tea or powder, and is part of several classical eye-drop formulas (always processed in ghee, never raw root water).

  • Licorice tea: 1 teaspoon dried root (or 1/2 teaspoon powder) in a cup of hot water, covered, steeped 10 minutes. Drink once daily, mid-afternoon, when screen fatigue peaks. Cooling, mildly sweet, soothing.
  • Licorice powder with ghee: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon stirred into 1 teaspoon warm ghee, taken first thing in the morning. Classical anti-Pitta, anti-dryness combination for eyes.
  • Licorice + Amla: equal parts powder, 1/2 teaspoon of the blend, twice daily with warm water. Pairs the primary Chakshushya rasayana with the primary mucous-membrane soother.
  • Triphala Ghrita context: Licorice often appears as an ingredient in classical medicated eye ghees. Use only practitioner-prepared formulas for eye drops or Netra Tarpana.

Dosage and timing

FormDoseTimingAnupana
Licorice tea1 cupMid-afternoonPlain or with a few rose petals
Licorice powder1/4 to 1/2 tspTwice dailyWarm milk or warm water
Licorice + Amla blend1/2 tsp blendTwice dailyWarm water

How long until effect

For acute hot, irritated eyes, soothing relief is usually felt within 3 to 7 days of consistent tea. Chronic dryness and lid soreness take 4 to 6 weeks. Treat as a 2 to 4 month course rather than indefinite use.

Who should avoid

Skip Licorice in uncontrolled hypertension, water retention, low potassium, advanced kidney disease, and pregnancy. Long-term high doses can raise blood pressure and reduce potassium; cap solo use at 6 to 8 weeks before a 2-week break. People on diuretics, corticosteroids, or digoxin should check with their doctor first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put Licorice tea in my eyes?

No. Even though Licorice is much gentler than Ginger or Pippali, no classical text recommends raw Licorice infusion as an eye drop. Where Licorice appears in classical eye drops (Aschyotana) it is processed into ghee, not used as a tea. For at-home topical work limit yourself to a properly prepared Triphala eye wash, and even that under hygiene controls.

How long does Licorice take to work for irritated eyes?

For hot, sore, red, screen-strained eyes most people notice soothing relief within 3 to 7 days of a daily Licorice tea. Deeper changes in tear film stability and lid soreness take 4 to 6 weeks. Cap solo use at 6 to 8 weeks at a time to avoid blood-pressure or potassium effects.

Licorice vs Fennel for burning eyes, which is better?

Both are cooling and Pitta-pacifying, but they work differently. Fennel is light, aromatic, and works through digestion. Licorice is sweet, soothing, and works directly on mucous-membrane tissue. For acute burning and lid soreness, Licorice is the stronger choice. For end-of-day strain with bloating or after a heavy meal, Fennel is more elegant. You can use both in the same day.

Can I take Licorice with Amla or Haritaki?

Yes, this is a classical combination. Amla plus Licorice (equal parts, 1/2 teaspoon twice daily) is one of the more cited Pitta-cooling eye blends, and many practitioners add a pinch of Triphala (which contains Haritaki) at night to round it out. The blend gives nourishment, cooling, mucous-membrane support, and gentle clearing in one protocol.

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 Eye Disorders

See all herbs for eye disorders on the Eye Disorders 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.