Licorice for Hypoglycemia: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu / Mulethi) help with hypoglycemia? Yes, and for adrenal-driven and depletion-pattern low sugar it is structurally one of the best-fitting herbs in the entire Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes Licorice as Rasayana (rejuvenative), Balya (strengthening), and Medhya (intellect-promoting), with sweet rasa and cooling potency. The classical name Yashtimadhu literally means "sweet stick", and that natural sweetness, with its mild cortisol-supporting action, is exactly what most depletion-pattern hypoglycemia needs.
Modern endocrinology has documented Licorice's most relevant mechanism: glycyrrhizin, the active compound, inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which extends the half-life of endogenous cortisol. For someone whose hypoglycemia is driven by an exhausted adrenal-cortisol axis (the classical Vata-depletion of Ojas), this gentle cortisol-prolonging effect helps the body hold blood sugar steady between meals, reduces the depth of fasting and post-exertion crashes, and shortens recovery from each episode. The classical Balya and Rasayana descriptions point at the same therapeutic territory that modern adrenal-fatigue medicine describes.
Licorice is the lead herb for three hypoglycemia patterns: adrenal-fatigue hypoglycemia, where chronic stress has depleted cortisol and the body cannot mobilise glucose between meals; Vata-depletion low sugar, where the picture is exhaustion, weight loss, and shakiness with crashes; and Pitta-burnout reactive hypoglycemia, where high-sugar eating has burned out the pancreas and Licorice's sweet-cooling profile rebuilds without further stimulating insulin. It is not appropriate for everyone; the same glycyrrhizin that helps cortisol also raises blood pressure and causes water retention at higher doses, and Licorice is contraindicated in hypertension. Used at the right dose and for the right pattern, it is one of the most useful single herbs for recurrent low blood sugar.
How Licorice Helps with Hypoglycemia
Licorice addresses hypoglycemia through three connected mechanisms tied to its glycyrrhizin compound and its classical Rasayana-Balya-Medhya profile. Together they target the adrenal-cortisol-glucose axis that produces most recurrent low-sugar patterns.
Cortisol prolongation and adrenal support
The defining mechanism of Licorice on hypoglycemia is its action on cortisol metabolism. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney and other peripheral tissues. By slowing this inactivation, Licorice extends the half-life of the body's own cortisol. For someone with depleted cortisol output (the classical Vata-exhaustion of the adrenal axis), this means the existing cortisol stays active longer and supports glucose mobilisation between meals. The result is fewer fasting crashes, less post-exertion shakiness, and more stable energy across the day. Classical Ayurveda described this same therapeutic territory through the Balya (strengthening) and Rasayana classifications.
Rasa-dhatu and Ojas rebuilding
The classical Ayurvedic picture of recurrent hypoglycemia is depleted Rasa dhatu (plasma, the first tissue of nourishment) and low Ojas (vital reserve). Licorice is sweet in rasa, cooling in potency, and has tropism for all tissues; classical texts describe it as nourishing the brain by increasing cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, and as promoting strength and complexion. The sweet rasa rebuilds Rasa dhatu directly, the cooling virya soothes burnt-out Pitta-pancreas tissue, and the Rasayana action builds Ojas over weeks to months. This is the structural difference between Licorice and Gudmar: where Gudmar destroys the sweet input, Licorice nourishes the depleted tissue that hypoglycemia exposes.
Demulcent and digestive-soothing action
A less obvious but clinically important third mechanism is Licorice's action as a demulcent, a soothing agent for inflamed mucous membranes. Many people with chronic hypoglycemia also have low-grade gut inflammation, hyperacidity, and stress-driven gastritis; the classical texts describe Licorice for acidity, ulcers, and digestive irritation. By calming the gut lining, Licorice improves the consistency of meal absorption, which in turn smooths the post-meal glucose curve. The Astanga Hridaya describes Licorice as part of the demulcent-nourishing protocol for depleted states. Combined with the cortisol and Rasayana mechanisms, Licorice gives action at three layers: the hormone (cortisol prolongation), the tissue (Rasa-Ojas rebuilding), and the gut (absorption smoothing). For adrenal-fatigue and depletion-pattern hypoglycemia, no single herb in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia matches this combination.
How to Use Licorice for Hypoglycemia
Licorice for hypoglycemia is dose-sensitive. The same glycyrrhizin that helps cortisol also raises blood pressure and causes potassium loss at higher doses; the protocols below stay well within the safe range. Forms include Yashtimadhu churna (root powder), Licorice tea or decoction, and standardised root extract. Cycling on and off (6 weeks on, 2 weeks off) is the safest pattern for sustained use.
Best preparation form for hypoglycemia
For adrenal-fatigue hypoglycemia, plain Yashtimadhu churna at 1 to 3 g daily, taken in warm milk or warm water, is the classical and gentlest form. For acute support during a difficult depletion phase, Licorice tea can be sipped between meals. Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL) is appropriate where blood pressure is borderline; it lacks the cortisol-prolonging action but retains the demulcent and Rasayana effects.
| Form | Dose | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu churna (root powder) | 1 to 3 g daily, in 2 divided doses | Mix with warm milk or warm water; before meals or between meals for sustained energy |
| Licorice tea / decoction | 1 to 2 cups daily | Simmer 2 g root in 200 ml water for 10 minutes; sip between meals during low-energy phases |
| Standardised root extract | 250 to 500 mg daily | With food; convenient modern form, monitor blood pressure |
| Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL) | 380 to 760 mg before meals | For those with borderline BP; retains demulcent action without cortisol effect |
Anupana for each hypoglycemia pattern
- Adrenal-fatigue hypoglycemia (exhausted, low BP, fasting crashes): Yashtimadhu churna in warm milk morning and afternoon; pair with Ashwagandha at night.
- Vata-depletion low sugar (anxious, thin, shaky crashes): Licorice tea between meals with a pinch of cardamom; pair with warm meals at regular intervals.
- Pitta-burnout reactive hypoglycemia (irritable, sweaty crashes, pancreas burnt out): DGL before meals to avoid amplifying any heat; pair with Amla for cooling.
- Hypoglycemia with hyperacidity and gut inflammation: DGL before meals; the demulcent action calms gut while supporting glucose stability.
Critical safety considerations
Licorice is the most powerful Ayurvedic herb for adrenal-driven hypoglycemia, but its safety profile is real. Glycyrrhizin at high or sustained doses causes blood pressure elevation, water retention, and potassium loss; the syndrome is called pseudoaldosteronism. Do not use Licorice if you have hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, low potassium, or are on diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids. Limit to 4 to 6 g daily of churna or 500 mg extract, and cycle (6 weeks on, 2 weeks off). Monitor blood pressure weekly when starting. Pregnancy: avoid; high doses associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Acute hypoglycemic episodes need fast carbohydrate immediately: glucose tablets, juice, or fruit, not herbs. Diabetics should coordinate with their endocrinologist; Licorice can interact with antidiabetic medication. Unexplained recurrent hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic requires medical workup for insulinoma, adrenal insufficiency, or other endocrine causes before starting any herbal protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Licorice raise my blood sugar?
Not directly in the way food does. What Licorice does is extend the half-life of your own cortisol through glycyrrhizin's action on the enzyme that normally inactivates cortisol. Cortisol is the body's main glucose-mobilising hormone between meals; when it stays active longer, you experience fewer fasting and post-exertion crashes. The effect is regulatory rather than rescue. For an active low-sugar episode, eat fast carbohydrate immediately; Licorice is a between-episode preventive that addresses the adrenal-cortisol terrain.
Can I take Licorice if I have high blood pressure?
No, regular Licorice with glycyrrhizin is contraindicated in hypertension. Glycyrrhizin causes blood pressure elevation, water retention, and potassium loss at sustained doses, and these effects can be dangerous in hypertensive patients. If your blood pressure is borderline or you have hypertension and adrenal-fatigue hypoglycemia, use Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL) instead; it retains the demulcent and tissue-nourishing actions without the cortisol-prolonging mechanism. Monitor blood pressure weekly when starting any Licorice product.
How long can I take Licorice safely?
The safest pattern for full-spectrum Yashtimadhu is 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off, repeating as needed for up to 6 months under supervision. Doses should stay below 4 to 6 g of churna or 500 mg of extract daily. DGL has a wider safety window and can be used continuously. Weekly blood pressure checks during active use are wise. If blood pressure starts trending up or you notice ankle swelling, stop immediately and switch to DGL.
Licorice vs Ashwagandha for hypoglycemia: which is better?
They work at the same axis through different mechanisms and are best combined rather than chosen between. Ashwagandha rebuilds the adrenal reserve over months by improving the body's stress response and Ojas; Licorice supports cortisol output more immediately by extending its half-life. For acute adrenal-fatigue presentations, Licorice produces faster results; for sustained long-term rebuilding, Ashwagandha is the structural base. The classical protocol uses Licorice in the first 6 to 8 weeks for immediate support, then transitions to Ashwagandha for sustained Rasayana once the worst of the crashes have settled.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Hypoglycemia
If your hypoglycemia is driven by chronic stress, an exhausted adrenal-cortisol axis, post-burnout depletion, or low blood pressure with fasting and post-exertion crashes, Licorice is structurally one of the best-fitting single herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The Bhavaprakash names it Rasayana, Balya, and Medhya; modern endocrinology describes the same cortisol-prolonging effect that helps the body hold blood sugar steady between meals. It is not for everyone (skip if you have hypertension), but for the right pattern it is unmatched.
Best form to start with
Yashtimadhu churna (Licorice root powder) at 1 g twice daily, taken with warm milk or warm water 30 minutes before lunch and again in the late afternoon. Start low. Monitor blood pressure weekly. Cycle 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off for sustained use. If your blood pressure trends up at all, switch to Deglycyrrhized Licorice (DGL).
Kitchen version
Simmer 2 g of dried Licorice root in 200 ml of water for 10 minutes, strain, and sip warm between meals when energy dips. A pinch of cardamom or a small slice of fresh ginger added to the simmer improves the taste and adds Agni-deepana support.
Dosha fork
- Vata-reactive (anxious crashes, thin frame, low BP, exhaustion): Yashtimadhu churna in warm milk with a small spoon of ghee; pair with Ashwagandha at night for sustained rebuilding.
- Pitta burnout (irritable hunger, sweaty crashes, pancreas burnt out from sugar): DGL before meals to avoid amplifying any heat; pair with Amla for cooling and tissue support.
- Kapha sluggish (foggy crashes with post-meal heaviness, water retention): Licorice is generally less suited here; use the lowest dose, monitor for swelling, and consider Guduchi or Brahmi instead.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ DGL Licorice ↗
Safety closing. An acute hypoglycemic episode (shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness) needs fast carbohydrate immediately: glucose tablets, juice, or fruit, not herbs. Do not use Licorice if you have hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or low potassium, or if you take diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids; the glycyrrhizin will worsen blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Use DGL instead in those cases. Diabetics on insulin or sulfonylureas should coordinate with their endocrinologist. Unexplained recurrent hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic requires medical workup for insulinoma, adrenal insufficiency, or other endocrine causes before any herbal protocol. Pregnancy: avoid.
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 Hypoglycemia
See all herbs for hypoglycemia on the Hypoglycemia 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.