Licorice for Inflammation: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with inflammation (Shotha)? Yes, and it has a very specific place. Licorice is the lead Ayurvedic herb for Pitta-driven inflammation that sits on mucous membranes and irritated tissue, the burning, raw, ulcerated kind, rather than the cold, swollen, fluid-heavy kind Kapha herbs treat or the dry, stiff, joint pattern Vata herbs treat.
The classical fit is straightforward. Licorice carries sweet and bitter taste (Madhura and Tikta Rasa) with cold potency (Sheeta Virya). This combination directly counters the heat, redness, and irritation that the Charaka Samhita describes as the signature of Pittaja Shotha, inflammation that is burning, reddish, with oozing and a tendency to spread. Its dosha effect of VP- K+ means it pacifies the two doshas most involved in inflammatory disease (Pitta and Vata) while being neutral-to-aggravating for Kapha, so it is best paired with Kapha-clearing partners when swelling is heavy and wet.
Where Licorice excels is the mucous membrane layer. Sore throats with rawness, gastric ulcer pain, acid-driven oesophageal irritation, urinary burning, and respiratory inflammation with dry hacking cough all sit in the same Pitta-inflammation territory. Licorice is recognised in the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu as the demulcent that coats and soothes these tissues while reducing underlying heat. It is not the right pick for arthritic joint swelling driven by Ama and Kapha, where garlic or turmeric lead. Match the herb to the dosha picture and Licorice does work that few other herbs match.
How Licorice Helps with Inflammation
The mechanism by which Licorice reduces inflammation operates on three layers: dosha, tissue, and biochemistry. Understanding all three explains why it works for some inflammatory patterns and fails for others.
Cooling and softening at the dosha layer
Pittaja Shotha, the inflammation described in Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 12, presents as heat, redness, burning, oozing, and rapid spread. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) directly opposes this heat excess (Pitta Prakopa). Its sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka) rebuilds depleted tissue rather than burning it further, which is why it suits the chronic, recurrent inflammatory pattern that leaves mucosa raw between flares.
The sweet taste also gives Licorice its Vrishya (nourishing, restorative) quality. This matters because Pitta inflammation does not just heat tissue, it depletes it. The herb cools and rebuilds in the same dose, which is rare among anti-inflammatories.
Demulcent action on mucous membranes
Inflammation that sits on a mucosal surface (throat, oesophagus, stomach, urinary tract, respiratory lining) responds particularly well to Licorice because it physically coats the surface while it acts. The Bhavaprakasha Nighantu notes this in describing Licorice's Snigdha (unctuous, soothing) quality. The herb soothes the irritation that drives the inflammatory cycle in the first place, allowing the underlying tissue to settle.
Modern biochemistry: glycyrrhizin
Modern phytochemistry confirms what classical texts saw. Glycyrrhizin, Licorice's principal active compound, structurally mimics adrenocortical hormones and modulates the body's own anti-inflammatory cortisol pathway. Studies on glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid document inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of prostaglandin synthesis, and accelerated mucosal healing in gastric and oesophageal models. This is the same pharmacology that gave Licorice its classical reputation for ulcer healing, now mapped to the molecular level.
How to Use Licorice for Inflammation
Licorice for inflammation is dose-sensitive and form-sensitive. Match both to the inflammatory pattern you are treating, and to the duration you intend to use it.
Best preparation form for inflammation
For mucous membrane inflammation (sore throat, gastric irritation, oesophageal burning, urinary tract burning), Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) or decoction (Kwatha) is the right form. The powder coats while it acts; the decoction extracts both the glycyrrhizin and the demulcent polysaccharides. For long-term use, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) lozenges are the safer modern form because they preserve mucosal healing without the blood-pressure and potassium effects of high-dose glycyrrhizin.
Dosage and timing
| Form | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licorice powder (Churna) | 1 to 3 g, twice daily | With warm water for throat or respiratory inflammation; with warm milk for gastric ulcer pain |
| Decoction (Kwatha) | 30 to 60 ml, twice daily | For acute sore throat or oesophageal irritation; sip slowly |
| DGL lozenges or chewable tablets | 380 to 760 mg, 20 minutes before meals | Long-term gastric mucosal support without glycyrrhizin side effects |
| Topical paste (Lepa) | Mix powder with ghee or rosewater | For local hot inflamed skin lesions and burns |
Anupana, vehicle for inflammation
The vehicle (Anupana) changes the herb's destination. For respiratory and throat inflammation, take Licorice with warm water and a small amount of honey added after the water cools. For gastric and oesophageal inflammation, warm milk is the classical pairing, it carries the sweet, cooling action to the digestive mucosa. For Pittaja inflammation with heat and burning, ghee or cool water suits better than honey.
Duration
For acute mucosal inflammation, a 5 to 10 day course is usually enough to settle symptoms. For chronic recurrent inflammation, DGL is the preferred long-term form because plain Licorice for more than 4 to 6 weeks at therapeutic dose can elevate blood pressure and lower potassium. Pause and re-evaluate every 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for inflammation?
For acute mucosal inflammation, sore throat, gastric burning, mild oesophageal irritation, most people feel meaningful relief in 3 to 7 days of consistent twice-daily dosing. For chronic inflammatory patterns, expect 4 to 6 weeks of regular use before settled improvement. Symptom relief on day one is the demulcent coating action; the deeper anti-inflammatory effect builds with daily glycyrrhizin exposure.
Can I take Licorice with NSAIDs or steroid medication?
Use caution. Licorice can amplify the effect of corticosteroids because glycyrrhizin slows their breakdown, so doses of prednisone or hydrocortisone may feel stronger than intended. Coordinate with your physician before combining. With NSAIDs the interaction is gentler, and Licorice may actually help protect the gastric mucosa NSAIDs irritate, which is why DGL is often used alongside long-term NSAID therapy. Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium, or in pregnancy without supervision.
What is the best form of Licorice for inflammation?
It depends on the location and duration. For acute sore throat or oesophageal burning, the decoction or powder with warm water gives the fastest demulcent relief. For gastric ulcer inflammation, DGL lozenges before meals are both effective and safe for long-term use. For local skin inflammation or burns, a paste of powder with ghee or rosewater applied topically calms heat. Avoid full-strength glycyrrhizin-containing Licorice for periods longer than 4 to 6 weeks without medical supervision.
Licorice vs Turmeric for inflammation, which should I choose?
Different jobs. Turmeric is the broad systemic anti-inflammatory, best for deep tissue, joints, blood-borne inflammation, and the slow-burn metabolic kind. Licorice is the mucosal specialist, best for inflammation that sits on a surface (throat, gut, urinary tract, respiratory lining), especially when burning and rawness are the dominant complaint. They work well together: turmeric upstream on systemic Pitta, Licorice downstream on the irritated tissue surface. Compare also Guduchi for autoimmune-pattern inflammation and Haritaki for gut-Ama driven inflammation.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Inflammation
If you want to start using Licorice for inflammation today, here is the simplest starting point.
The best form for mucosal inflammation is Yashtimadhu powder (or DGL chewable tablets for long-term gastric use). It coats and cools while it acts, which is why classical texts pair it with the burning, raw, irritated kind of inflammation rather than the cold, swollen kind.
Kitchen version: 1 teaspoon of Licorice powder in 1 cup of warm milk, simmered for 2 minutes, taken twice daily before meals for acute gastric or oesophageal inflammation. For a raw sore throat, the same powder in warm water with a small amount of honey added once the water has cooled.
Dosha fork: For Pitta-type inflammation (burning, redness, oozing), pair Licorice with cool water or ghee, and add a pinch of Amla powder. For Vata-type inflammation with dryness (dry sore throat, dry cough), warm milk is the right vehicle and Licorice can be used alone. Avoid Licorice as a primary herb if Kapha is dominant (heavy, wet, cold swelling); choose garlic or turmeric instead.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ DGL Lozenges ↗
Do not exceed 4 to 6 weeks of full-strength glycyrrhizin-containing Licorice without medical supervision; it can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Consult a practitioner if inflammation is severe or persistent.
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 Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the 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
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.