Licorice for Hair Loss: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with hair loss? Yes, and the classical evidence is unusually specific. The Charaka Samhita, in Chikitsasthana 26, describes a paste of sesame, Amla, kinjalka, Madhuka (Licorice), and honey applied to the head as a remedy that "restores the color of hair and promotes hair growth". The Sharangadhara Samhita goes further and prescribes a paste of Yashti (licorice), blue lotus, raisins, sesame oil, and ghee specifically for Indralupta, the classical name for alopecia areata, with the result that "hair becomes dense and strong".
The Ayurvedic case rests on three properties. Licorice is classified as Keshya (hair-promoting) in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu, alongside Varnya (complexion-improving) and Pitta Shamaka (cooling Pitta). Its cold potency (Sheeta Virya), sweet taste (Madhura Rasa), and anti-inflammatory action (Shothahara) make it the natural choice for the inflamed, hot scalp pattern of Khalitya. Modern research lines up: glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids have documented anti-inflammatory and 5-alpha reductase inhibiting activity, the same DHT pathway implicated in androgenetic alopecia.
Where licorice differs from other hair herbs is its dosha profile. Its VP- K+ effect means it is excellent for Vata and Pitta patterns of hair loss, particularly the dry, brittle, inflamed scalp picture, but it can aggravate Kapha-type oily, congested scalps with continued internal use. In practice, licorice is most often used topically in classical hair pastes and oils rather than as a primary internal herb. It pairs naturally with Bhringaraj for follicle stimulation and Amla for daily cooling and tissue support.
How Licorice Helps with Hair Loss
Licorice acts on hair loss through three complementary mechanisms, each tied to a specific property in its classical profile. The unusually specific classical recipes for hair give us a precise picture of how Ayurveda intends the herb to be used.
Anti-inflammatory action at the scalp
Licorice is classified as Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu, and the Sushruta Samhita uses warm ghee with licorice specifically to pacify intense post-surgical pain and inflammation. For hair loss, this matters because the central pattern of adult Khalitya is inflammatory: Pitta entering Rakta dhatu at the scalp creates the heat that classical texts describe as "burning" the hair follicle. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet taste (Madhura Rasa) directly cool this layer when applied as a paste or oil to the scalp. Modern work on glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids has documented action on the same inflammatory pathways implicated in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
5-alpha reductase inhibition and the DHT pathway
Modern phytochemistry has identified that licorice flavonoids show inhibitory activity against 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. DHT binding to androgen receptors in the follicle is the primary biochemical driver of pattern hair loss. This places licorice in the same therapeutic category as Saw Palmetto and the better-studied DHT-modulating herbs. Classical texts arrive at the same destination by a different route, classifying licorice as Keshya (hair-promoting) and prescribing it specifically for Indralupta (alopecia areata) and progressive baldness.
Tissue nourishment and Vata pacification
Licorice is described in the Rasayana traditions as nourishing across all tissues, with a particular affinity for plasma and the nervous system. Its sweet vipaka (Madhura Vipaka) means it builds rather than depletes; it pacifies Vata and supports the nourishment of Rasa dhatu (plasma), which in turn feeds the blood and the hair follicle. This makes it useful for the dry, brittle, undernourished pattern of hair loss, the Vata-driven picture seen in postpartum depletion, post-illness recovery, and the diffuse thinning that follows extreme weight loss. The Sharangadhara Samhita's classical recipe of licorice with blue lotus, raisins, sesame oil, and ghee is built around exactly this nourishing-and-cooling principle: every ingredient is sweet, cooling, and tissue-rebuilding.
How to Use Licorice for Hair Loss
Licorice for hair loss is primarily a topical intervention. Classical Ayurveda has unusually specific recipes for licorice-in-hair-paste and licorice-in-medicated-oil, but does not lead with internal licorice for Khalitya. Internal use has a supporting role and comes with a real caution: licorice can elevate blood pressure with sustained high doses, so the topical-led approach is also the safest one.
Best preparation form for hair loss
The two highest-yield uses are a classical hair paste applied to the scalp once a week, and a licorice-infused medicated oil used two to three times per week. Internal licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) can be added at low dose for short courses where Pitta-driven inflammation, scalp burning, or accompanying acidity is prominent.
| Form | Dose | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Classical hair paste (Charaka recipe) | 2 tbsp paste | Equal parts sesame powder, Amla powder, and licorice powder, mixed with honey, applied to scalp, left 45 to 60 min, once weekly |
| Sharangadhara recipe (for patchy loss) | 2 tbsp paste | Equal parts licorice powder and raisin paste with sesame oil and ghee, applied to affected patches, left 45 min, 2 to 3 times per week |
| Licorice-infused oil (topical) | 5 to 10 ml | Massage into scalp 30 to 60 min before wash, or leave overnight, 2 to 3 times per week |
| Powder (Churna) internal | 1 to 3 g daily | Mix with honey, take morning empty stomach; short courses of 4 to 6 weeks at a time |
| Tablet/capsule extract | 250 to 500 mg, 1 to 2 times daily | Avoid sustained use beyond 6 weeks without practitioner guidance |
The classical Charaka paste, in practice
The Charaka Samhita recipe is the most accessible: combine equal parts (about 1 tablespoon each) of sesame seed powder, Amla powder, and licorice powder. Mix with enough honey to form a thick paste. Apply to the scalp and gently into the hair length, working it well into the roots. Cover with a warm towel and leave for 45 to 60 minutes. Rinse with cool to lukewarm water and a mild herbal cleanser. Use once weekly. Classical texts describe this combination as restoring hair colour and promoting growth; the modern reading is that it combines anti-inflammatory licorice, antioxidant Amla, and nourishing sesame in a sugar-based vehicle that delivers active compounds to the follicle.
Anupana (vehicle) for internal use
If you are using licorice powder internally, the anupana matters. For Pitta-driven hair loss with a hot scalp, acidity, or burning sensations, take 1 to 3 g of powder mixed with a teaspoon of honey in the morning on empty stomach. Avoid taking licorice with strong tea, coffee, or salty foods, which work against its cooling action and may amplify its blood-pressure effects.
Combining with other hair herbs
Licorice rarely works alone for hair loss; it is a supporting herb in a layered protocol. The most useful combinations are:
- Licorice plus Amla plus sesame: the classical Charaka topical paste, the most accessible licorice-for-hair recipe.
- Licorice plus Bhringaraj plus Amla: a complete hair oil combining follicle stimulation, Pitta cooling, and anti-inflammatory action.
- Licorice plus raisins plus blue lotus: the Sharangadhara paste for patchy hair loss (Indralupta); particularly relevant for alopecia areata patterns.
Duration and what to expect
For topical use, expect to see reduced scalp inflammation and a calmer, less itchy scalp within four to six weeks. Reduced shedding follows over the next two to three months. Visible regrowth takes the full hair-cycle of three to six months and depends on licorice being part of a wider protocol with a follicle-active herb such as Bhringaraj. Use the topical paste weekly for at least three months before evaluating results.
Important duration limit on internal use
Unlike Amla or Bhringaraj, internal licorice should not be taken continuously for months. Glycyrrhizin can cause sodium retention and elevate blood pressure with sustained use. The conservative pattern is 4 to 6 weeks of internal use, then a break of at least 4 weeks. Topical use does not carry this concern. If the herb is needed long-term internally, use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) or rotate with other Pitta-cooling herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for hair loss?
Used as part of a topical protocol with weekly licorice paste and licorice-infused oil two to three times per week, most people see a calmer, less inflamed scalp within four to six weeks and reduced shedding between two and three months. Visible regrowth, when it comes, takes the full hair-growth cycle of three to six months and typically requires licorice to be paired with a follicle-active herb such as Bhringaraj. The classical Charaka paste of sesame, Amla, licorice, and honey was prescribed as a sustained weekly practice, not a quick fix.
Is Licorice safe to take every day for hair loss?
Topical use is safe daily. Internal use is not. Glycyrrhizin, the major active compound in licorice, can cause sodium retention, potassium loss, and elevated blood pressure with sustained high doses; the conservative pattern is 4 to 6 weeks of internal use followed by at least 4 weeks off. People with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or who are pregnant should avoid sustained internal licorice altogether and stay with topical preparations. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is the option for those who need long-term internal support, but DGL loses much of the systemic anti-inflammatory action and is mostly used for digestive purposes.
Licorice vs Bhringaraj for hair loss, which should I use?
Both, in different roles. Bhringaraj is the lead herb, the foremost classical hair tonic with direct action on the follicle and modern evidence of extending the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Licorice is a supporting herb, the Pitta-cooling, anti-inflammatory, follicle-protective layer that addresses the inflamed scalp environment. The Sharangadhara Samhita and Charaka Samhita both prescribe licorice in compound topical recipes rather than as a stand-alone hair treatment. The classical pattern is Bhringaraj for the follicle, licorice and Amla for the scalp environment.
Does Licorice help with alopecia areata specifically?
The Sharangadhara Samhita prescribes a paste of licorice, blue lotus, raisins, sesame oil, and ghee specifically for Indralupta, the classical name for the patchy hair-loss pattern that maps to alopecia areata. The result described in the text is that "hair becomes dense and strong". The classical reasoning combines licorice's anti-inflammatory action, the cooling and tissue-rebuilding properties of blue lotus and raisins, and the deep nourishment of sesame oil and ghee. Modern dermatology recognises alopecia areata as autoimmune inflammation around the follicle, and licorice's documented anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity is consistent with the classical use. For active autoimmune disease, use under qualified guidance and continue any prescribed medical treatment alongside.
Can I take Licorice with my other Ayurvedic hair herbs?
Yes, and the classical recipes assume you will. The Charaka topical paste combines licorice with sesame and Amla. Modern compound oils often add Bhringaraj and Brahmi on top. The cautions are mostly about internal licorice and other systemic medications: avoid combining sustained internal licorice with potassium-lowering medications (some diuretics, corticosteroids) or with cardiac glycosides. For topical use in hair pastes and oils, there are no significant interactions between licorice and the other classical hair herbs.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Hair Loss
If you want to start using Licorice for hair loss today, here is the simplest starting point: the classical Charaka topical paste, applied to the scalp once a week. This is the recipe Charaka Samhita prescribes specifically for hair restoration, and it is essentially free from the blood-pressure cautions that come with internal licorice.
Best form: Plain Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) for the topical paste. For convenience, a ready-made Ayurvedic hair oil that combines Licorice with Bhringaraj and Amla can substitute for the weekly paste on busy weeks.
Kitchen version you can start tonight: Mix 1 tablespoon each of sesame seed powder, Amla powder, and Licorice powder. Add enough honey to form a thick paste. Massage into the scalp and work into the hair length. Cover with a warm towel and leave for 45 minutes. Rinse with cool water and a mild herbal cleanser. This is the Charaka recipe almost verbatim. Use once a week for at least three months before evaluating.
For patchy alopecia: The Sharangadhara Samhita's recipe for Indralupta uses Licorice powder with raisin paste, sesame oil, and ghee. Combine 1 tablespoon Licorice powder, 1 tablespoon raisin paste (soak raisins, blend smooth), 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon ghee. Apply directly to the affected patches, leave 45 minutes, rinse. Two to three times per week.
Find Licorice Powder on Amazon ↗ Find a Compound Hair Oil on Amazon ↗
Safety note: Licorice taken internally for sustained periods can elevate blood pressure and cause potassium loss. People with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or who are pregnant should stay with topical preparations only. If using internal licorice, limit to 4 to 6 weeks at a time with at least a 4-week break between courses.
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 Hair Loss
See all herbs for hair loss on the Hair Loss 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.