Licorice for Hoarse Voice: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with a hoarse voice (Svarabheda)? Yes, and the classical authority is exceptional. Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Yashtimadhu as Kanthya (throat and voice tonic) and lists it as the prime Kanthya drug in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Across centuries of household practice, the first thing reached for when the voice cracks, scratches, or fades is a slow-simmered Licorice decoction with warm water or milk.
Hoarse voice is described in classical texts as Svarabheda, a disturbance of Udana Vayu, the upward-moving sub-force of Vata that powers speech, breath, and the vocal apparatus. The classical pathogenesis runs along three lines: cold dry Vata drying the larynx, sticky Kapha clogging the vocal channels, or inflamed Pitta burning the mucosa. Licorice is one of the few herbs that addresses all three. Its taste is sweet and slightly bitter, its potency is cold (Sheeta Virya), and its dosha effect is VP-K+, it strongly pacifies Vata and Pitta while making it less suitable for thick wet Kapha congestion when used alone.
What makes Licorice the cornerstone herb here is its action as a demulcent, it coats and soothes the inflamed mucous membrane directly. The Bhavaprakash action list reads like a hoarse-voice protocol: Kanthya (throat-soothing), Varnya (clears the voice), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrana Ropana (heals lesions), and Pitta Shamaka (cools the burn). It is the third major ingredient of Sitopaladi Churna, the classical formula for cough, sore throat, and voice disorders, and a key constituent of the throat-targeted Swarabhedahara Kashaya described in Sahasra Yoga.
How Licorice Helps with Hoarse Voice
The Ayurvedic logic for using Licorice on a hoarse voice sits on four properties working in concert: sweet taste (Madhura Rasa), cold potency (Sheeta Virya), sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka), and a slippery unctuous quality. Each maps directly onto a piece of the Svarabheda pathology.
The sweet and unctuous nature counters the rough, dry, light qualities that drive Vataja Svarabheda, the dry hoarseness that follows overuse, dehydration, cold dry weather, or talking through a fever. Vata-type hoarseness presents as a scratchy, weak, breathy voice that worsens through the day. Licorice's Snigdha (oily) and Madhura (sweet) action rebuilds the moisture film of the laryngeal mucosa, which is why the classical pairing is Licorice powder in warm milk or honey.
The cold potency directly addresses Pittaja Svarabheda, the inflamed red-throat hoarseness that arrives with acid reflux, shouting, infection, or heat. Here Licorice acts as Pitta Shamaka and Dahashamaka, cooling the burn while its demulcent film protects the inflamed vocal folds from further irritation. Bhavaprakash lists Yashtimadhu as Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), the two karmic actions that explain its repair effect on raw mucosa.
For Kaphaja Svarabheda, the wet thick-mucus hoarseness with morning congestion, Licorice is used in combination rather than alone. Its descriptions in classical texts include mucus liquefying and expectorating and cleanses lungs and stomach of Kapha, but its sweet cold nature can also feed Kapha if used in isolation. The classical solution is the 1:1 Licorice plus Ginger combination noted in its source description, the ginger heats and moves Kapha while licorice coats and heals. The same logic explains why Licorice is paired with pungent herbs in Sitopaladi Churna for productive cough and voice loss.
One classical detail is worth holding. Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 22 on Gandusha and gargles, places Yashtimadhu among the throat-soothing herbs used in mouth-and-throat retention, the closest classical analogue to a modern medicated gargle. Holding a strong Licorice decoction at the back of the throat for one to two minutes before swallowing delivers the demulcent action exactly where the inflamed vocal folds need it.
How to Use Licorice for Hoarse Voice
For hoarse voice the goal is to keep the demulcent action in contact with the throat as long and as often as possible. That makes preparation form, anupana, and timing more important than dose alone.
Best form for hoarse voice
In order of usefulness for Svarabheda:
- Licorice lozenge or chew stick, slowly dissolved at the back of the throat. The slow release keeps the mucosa coated for the longest stretch.
- Yashtimadhu decoction (Kashaya), simmered slowly and used either as a warm sipping tea or as a one to two minute retained gargle before swallowing.
- Licorice powder in warm milk, the classical preparation for dry Vata-type hoarseness, ideal at night.
- Licorice powder with honey, used as a slow-licked paste for wet Kapha-type hoarseness, the small amount of honey cuts the Kapha while the licorice heals.
Dosage
| Form | Dose | Frequency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (Churna) | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (1 to 3 g) | Two to three times daily | All Svarabheda types |
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 30 to 60 ml warm | Two to three times daily, plus gargle | Inflamed Pitta-type hoarseness |
| Lozenge or chew stick | As needed | Every two to three hours when voice is hoarse | Continuous mucosal coating |
| Powder in warm milk | 1/2 teaspoon in 200 ml milk | Once nightly | Dry Vata-type hoarseness |
Anupana (the vehicle)
- Warm milk plus a pinch of Turmeric, for dry Vata or post-fever hoarseness.
- Warm water with honey, for wet Kapha hoarseness. Add the honey after the water has cooled below scalding.
- Warm water alone, for inflamed Pitta-type hoarseness with burning or reflux. Skip the honey if there is acute heat.
- Milk plus a teaspoon of ghee, for chronic hoarseness from long voice overuse.
Timing and duration
For acute hoarseness, expect noticeable easing of scratchiness within twenty-four to forty-eight hours of consistent use. A full course of seven to fourteen days is usually enough for hoarseness from infection, overuse, or seasonal dryness. For chronic hoarseness tied to reflux or repeated voice strain, two to four weeks of daily Licorice plus the underlying lifestyle adjustment is the realistic window.
Safety note
Long-term high-dose licorice can raise blood pressure and cause water retention in susceptible individuals. Stay under three grams a day if you have hypertension, are on blood pressure medication, or have a heart condition, and limit continuous use to four weeks before taking a break. The deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form removes most of this risk and is the preferred choice for daily long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for hoarse voice?
For acute hoarseness from infection or overuse, most people notice the scratchiness easing within twenty-four to forty-eight hours of consistent use, three to four times a day. Full voice recovery usually takes seven to fourteen days. For chronic hoarseness tied to reflux, allergies, or repeated strain, plan on two to four weeks of daily use alongside the lifestyle change.
What is the best form of Licorice for a hoarse voice?
A slowly dissolved lozenge or chewable stick wins for contact time, the demulcent action needs to stay on the inflamed tissue. A strong warm decoction held as a one-minute gargle before swallowing is the next best form. Licorice powder in warm milk works well at night for dry Vata-type hoarseness.
Licorice or Amla for hoarse voice?
Both are cooling and rebuild the throat tissue, and they are often used together. Licorice is the stronger demulcent and the prime Kanthya drug, choose it when the voice is raw, painful, or has been lost. Amla is the better daily Rasayana, choose it when the goal is to rebuild voice strength after repeated illness, or for singers and teachers wanting a long-term tonic.
Can I take Licorice with blood pressure medication?
Standard whole licorice can raise blood pressure and reduce the effect of blood pressure medication when used in high doses or for long stretches. If you are on antihypertensives, use the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form, keep the dose under one gram a day, and check with your physician. The lozenge form swallowed only briefly delivers less glycyrrhizin than a daily decoction.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Hoarse Voice
If you want to start using Licorice for hoarse voice today, here is the simplest entry point that works for most patterns.
Best form: a Yashtimadhu lozenge or chew stick, slowly dissolved at the back of the throat every two to three hours while the voice is hoarse. The slow release keeps the demulcent layer in contact with the inflamed vocal folds, which is what actually heals the rawness.
Kitchen version: one half teaspoon of Licorice root powder simmered in 200 ml of water for ten minutes, strained, cooled to drinkable warmth, sipped slowly two to three times a day. For night-time, replace water with warm milk and add a pinch of Turmeric.
Dosha fork: for dry Vata hoarseness (weak, breathy, worse end of day), take Licorice powder in warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee. For inflamed Pitta hoarseness (burning, reflux, sharp pain), take the decoction in warm water without honey. For wet Kapha hoarseness (heavy, mucusy, morning congestion), pair Licorice with a small pinch of Ginger powder and a teaspoon of honey stirred in after the water has cooled.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Sitopaladi Churna ↗
If you have high blood pressure or are on antihypertensive medication, use the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form and keep continuous use to four weeks before a 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 Hoarse Voice
See all herbs for hoarse voice on the Hoarse Voice 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.