Licorice for Gut Inflammation: Benefits, How to Use & Dosage

Licorice for Gut Inflammation: Does It Work?

Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with gut inflammation? Yes — and across the entire IBD-spectrum of mucosal inflammation, Licorice is arguably the single most useful Ayurvedic herb. From acid-burning heartburn and erosive gastritis to peptic ulcers, colitis, and IBD-spectrum gut wall inflammation, its job is the same: coat, cool, and heal the inflamed lining.

Ayurveda reads gut inflammation (Antra Shotha) as a Pitta-Rakta-Ama disturbance at the gut mucosa. Pitta heat scorches the lining, Rakta Dhatu carries inflammatory heat into and out of the gut wall, and Ama sits on the surface like a film, blocking repair. In the IBS-IBD overlap there is often a Vata layer on top — cramping, urgency, erratic motility. Licorice is sweet (Madhura), cold in virya, demulcent, and one of the few herbs that is simultaneously Pitta Shamaka, Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) — three actions the inflamed gut needs at once.

The classical case is unambiguous. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Yashtimadhu's actions as Vrana Ropana, Shothahara, and Pitta Shamaka. The Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 15 (Grahani Dosha Chikitsa) places mucosa-healing and Pitta-cooling herbs at the centre of treatment for inflammatory gut disease, and Licorice fits that profile cleanly. Modern research on deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for gastritis and ulcer healing converges on the same conclusion.

The caveat: standard Licorice raises blood pressure and depletes potassium with prolonged high-dose use. For ongoing gut work, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is safer and equally effective at the mucosal level.

How Licorice Helps with Gut Inflammation

Licorice's match to inflamed gut mucosa runs through four converging mechanisms, each anchored in its classical property profile of sweet rasa, cold virya, and Vata-Pitta-pacifying action.

1. Demulcent coating of the gut lining

Licorice is the textbook Ayurvedic demulcent. Its sweet, slippery, cold quality forms a soothing film over the inflamed gut surface, buffering it from acid, bile, and mechanical irritation. This is why classical texts and modern DGL trials both reach for Licorice first in gastritis and ulcers — the coating effect is immediate and measurable.

2. Cooling the Pitta-Rakta layer

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu as Pitta Shamaka — directly counter to the Pitta heat that scorches the gut wall in acid stomach, gastritis, and Pitta-type colitis. Its cooling virya reaches into the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) that perfuses the mucosa, lowering the inflammatory heat at the source rather than just masking the burn.

3. Vrana Ropana — mucosal wound-healing

Classical texts list Vrana Ropana (wound-healing) among Licorice's primary actions. In erosive gastritis, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis, the gut surface is literally a wound. Licorice supports granulation and re-epithelialisation, the property modern research attributes to glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that protect and rebuild the mucosal layer. The Charaka Samhita repeatedly groups Yashtimadhu with sesame and ghee in classical wound-healing pastes.

4. Anti-spasmodic for the Vata-IBS layer

Licorice is sweet, unctuous, and Vata-pacifying, which addresses the cramping, gas, and urgency layer that often sits on top of an inflamed gut in IBS-IBD overlap. Its Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and gentle anti-spasmodic action reduces both the heat and the muscle reactivity at the gut wall.

The net effect: Licorice does not just calm symptoms, it actively rebuilds the surface — which is why it sits at the centre of Pitta-Rakta gut protocols across classical and modern Ayurveda.

How to Use Licorice for Gut Inflammation

For gut inflammation, the form of Licorice determines both the mucosal effect and the safety profile. The wrong choice — too much standard Licorice for too long — raises blood pressure and depletes potassium. The right choice does the gut work without the systemic risk.

Best preparation: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)

For ongoing gut inflammation, especially in acid stomach, gastritis, and ulcers, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is the safer form. Most of the gut-healing demulcent and Vrana Ropana action is preserved; the glycyrrhizin that drives blood pressure rise is removed. Chewable DGL tablets taken 20 minutes before meals coat the gut surface exactly where it needs protection.

Dosage table

Form	Dose	Anupana / Vehicle	Best For
DGL chewable tablet	380–760 mg, 20 min before meals	Chew thoroughly	Daily long-term use, acid stomach, ulcers
Yashtimadhu powder (Churna)	3–5 g, twice daily	Cool water or warm milk	Pitta-Rakta gut flare, burning, mucosal heat
Licorice decoction (Kashaya)	3 g boiled in 200 ml water, reduced by half	Sip cool, between meals	Acute mucosal irritation, gastritis
Licorice + ghee paste	3 g powder with 1 tsp ghee	Empty stomach	Ulcer-spectrum healing, classical Vrana Ropana use

Anupana — match the vehicle to the dosha layer

Cool water or warm milk: best for Pitta-Rakta acute heat, burning, acid reflux. Cools and coats the mucosa.
Ghee: best for ulcer-spectrum work and dry, depleted mucosa. The classical Charaka Samhita wound-healing pairing.
Warm water with a pinch of dry ginger: for Vata-IBS overlap with cramping. Adds gentle Agni support without aggravating heat.

Duration and safety limits

For DGL: safe for ongoing daily use, but pause for 2 weeks every 3 months to reassess. For standard Yashtimadhu powder or decoction: limit to 4–6 weeks at a stretch, then break for 2 weeks. Monitor blood pressure if using standard Licorice longer than 2 weeks; avoid entirely in uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium, heart failure, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Expect symptomatic improvement in acid and burning within days, mucosal healing over 4–8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis before using Licorice for gut inflammation?

Yes, if you have red-flag symptoms. Blood in stool, persistent weight loss, fever, or pain that wakes you from sleep need gastroenterology evaluation — colonoscopy, endoscopy, and blood work — to rule in or out IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), celiac, and structural disease. Licorice is appropriate as an adjunct once a diagnosis is established or when symptoms are mild and functional. For burning, acid, and reflux-type symptoms without red flags, a 3–4 week trial of DGL before meals is reasonable; if there is no improvement, get evaluated.

How long does Licorice take to work for gut inflammation?

For acid burning and gastritis, DGL and Yashtimadhu often reduce symptoms within 3–7 days because the demulcent coating effect is immediate. For deeper mucosal healing in ulcers and colitis, the meaningful window is 4–8 weeks of consistent use. Classical Ayurveda treats Licorice as a wound-healing herb, and wound healing on the gut surface takes weeks, not days. If symptoms have not changed after 4 weeks of correct-dose DGL, the dose, anupana, or diagnosis needs review.

What foods should I avoid while taking Licorice for gut inflammation?

The classical anti-Pitta gut diet matters as much as the herb. Avoid alcohol, coffee, spicy and sour foods during active flares, fermented foods, and NSAIDs where possible. The Astanga Hridaya emphasises eating warm, lightly oiled, well-cooked food, sitting down, and waiting until the previous meal is digested — all directly relevant to letting an inflamed mucosa rest. Watch your sodium intake too: standard Licorice can raise blood pressure, and a high-salt diet amplifies that effect.

Licorice vs Turmeric vs Amla for gut inflammation — which one first?

They address different layers. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is the premier mucosal demulcent — first choice for active burning, acid, ulcer pain, and immediate coating relief. Turmeric (Haridra) is the Ama-clearing, wound-healing anti-inflammatory — first choice when there is mixed Ama and heat, or when colitis-spectrum inflammation needs systemic anti-inflammatory support. Amla (Amalaki) is the cooling Rasayana — first choice for chronic Pitta-Rakta gut and long-term rebuilding. Many classical protocols use all three together.

Recommended: Start Licorice for Gut Inflammation

If you want to start using Licorice for gut inflammation today, here is the simplest starting point.

Best form: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewable tablets. DGL preserves the demulcent coating and Vrana Ropana mucosal-healing action without the blood-pressure risk of standard Licorice. For ongoing daily gut work, it is the safer choice.

Kitchen version: ½ teaspoon Yashtimadhu powder stirred into ½ cup cool water; sip slowly between meals, twice daily. If burning is intense, take it with 1 teaspoon ghee on an empty stomach — the classical Vrana Ropana pairing from the Charaka Samhita. Limit this raw-powder form to 4–6 weeks.

Dosha fork:

Pitta-Rakta acute hot (burning, acid reflux, gastritis): DGL 380 mg, 20 minutes before each meal; add Yashtimadhu powder in cool water between meals during the first 2 weeks.
Vata IBS-overlap (cramping, alternating stools, anxiety-linked): Yashtimadhu in warm milk at bedtime; pair with consistent meal timing and warm cooked food.
Kapha-Ama heavy (mucus, heaviness, sluggish digestion): use Licorice sparingly — it is sweet and can worsen Kapha. Combine with dry ginger before meals and prefer Turmeric as the lead herb.

Find DGL Licorice on Amazon ↗ Yashtimadhu Powder ↗

Safety: Blood in stool, weight loss, or fever with gut symptoms need an IBD workup. Avoid standard Licorice (not DGL) in hypertension, low potassium, heart failure, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Herbs are an adjunct, not a replacement for gastroenterology care in diagnosed IBD.

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 Gut Inflammation

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Amla Emblica officinalis

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Ginger

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Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia– Caulis

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Haritaki Terminalia chebula Retz

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Turmeric Curcuma longa Linn

See all herbs for gut inflammation on the Gut Inflammation 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

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

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

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.