Licorice for Liver Disorders: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with liver disorders (Yakrit Roga)? Yes, and the modern record is unusually strong. The classical signature is sweet rasa (Madhura), cold potency (Sheeta Virya), and a clear anti-inflammatory action (Shothahara) listed in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Where most liver herbs are bitter and stimulating, Licorice works by a soothing, demulcent action, a quiet cooling protection of hepatocytes that has made its principal compound, glycyrrhizin, a registered hepatitis therapy in Japan for over fifty years.
The liver in inflammatory disease is hot, swollen, and overloaded, whether the trigger is a virus, alcohol, fatty deposits, autoimmune attack, or drug toxicity. Classical Ayurveda treats this as Pittaja Kamala, jaundice and inflammation driven by excess Pitta at the seat of Ranjaka Pitta. Licorice's profile fits the pathology unusually well. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as Pitta Shamaka, Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Varnya (complexion-improving, a Rakta Dhatu marker), Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), and Balya (strengthening). In hepatitis, where the liver is inflamed and the blood corrupted by Pitta, every one of those actions is therapeutically relevant.
What makes Licorice unique in the Ayurvedic liver toolkit is its protective role. Bitter herbs like Kutki or Punarnava cool and drain the liver; Rasayanas like Amla rebuild it; Licorice protects. It forms a soothing layer over irritated mucosa and hepatocytes, modulates the immune response that drives much of viral and autoimmune hepatitis, and prevents the worst of the Pitta-Rakta inflammation from doing structural damage. The Astanga Hridaya lists Madhuka (Licorice) repeatedly as a Pitta-pacifying drug suitable for chronic use, with a clear caution: its sweetness and salt-retaining effect mean it cannot be used carelessly in patients with high blood pressure or fluid retention.
How Licorice Helps with Liver Disorders
Licorice's action on the inflamed liver is the combined action of a demulcent, an immune modulator, and a Pitta-cooling protective herb. Three layers that align unusually well with what modern hepatology now understands about chronic liver inflammation.
Madhura and Sheeta cool Ranjaka Pitta
Sweet, cold-potency herbs are the Ayurvedic gold standard for Pitta pacification, and Licorice is among the most concentrated sweet-cold drugs in the materia medica. The liver, as the seat of Ranjaka Pitta (the sub-dosha that colours blood and forms bile), responds directly to this cooling. Where bitter herbs cool by sharpness and drainage, Licorice cools by softening and soothing. Clinically you see less burning in the right upper abdomen, calmer skin, and less heat in the urine. The Astanga Hridaya places Madhuka (Licorice) repeatedly in Pitta-pacifying decoctions and eye preparations precisely because it lowers heat without scraping or drying.
Shothahara protection of inflamed hepatocytes
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Licorice as Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vrana Ropana (wound-healing). At the cellular level, this is the action that glycyrrhizin is known for in modern pharmacology: stabilising hepatocyte membranes, reducing transaminase leak, and protecting cells under viral or chemical attack. Intravenous glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) has been used clinically in Japan for chronic Hepatitis B and C since the 1970s, drawing from exactly this property. In Ayurvedic terms, this is Pitta Shamaka plus Vrana Ropana applied directly to the inflamed Yakrit.
Rakta Shodhana and Varnya action
Licorice is classed as Varnya (complexion-improving), which in Ayurveda is a clinical marker of Rakta Dhatu and Pitta health. In hepatitis, Rakta is corrupted by excess Pitta and the skin reflects it through yellowing, dullness, or breakouts. Licorice cleanses Rakta Dhatu, reduces the systemic Pitta load, and supports the visible recovery of skin and complexion that mirrors internal liver healing. The classical Balya (strengthening) action complements this by rebuilding tissue across the broader Rasa-Rakta axis depleted by chronic liver disease.
Immune-stress axis and adrenal support
Autoimmune hepatitis and stress-driven flares of chronic hepatitis involve the heart-mind processing fire that classical Ayurveda calls Sadhaka Pitta. Licorice is famously Sattvic, calming, and adrenal-supportive. Glycyrrhizin slows the breakdown of cortisol, which gives Licorice a sustained but mild anti-inflammatory cortisol-sparing effect. By cooling Sadhaka Pitta and quieting the stress response, Licorice removes one of the key triggers that keeps autoimmune and chronic viral hepatitis flaring. This is the same dual mechanism, hepatocyte protection plus stress-axis support, that makes Licorice uniquely useful in chronic liver disease compared with herbs that act only on inflammation or only on infection.
How to Use Licorice for Liver Disorders
Licorice for liver disorders is used in short, monitored courses rather than as a daily indefinite Rasayana. The reason is structural: glycyrrhizin, the active compound that gives Licorice its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory action, also slows cortisol breakdown and can drive sodium retention and elevated blood pressure if taken at high doses for long periods. The right form and dose make this herb one of the most useful liver protectives; the wrong dose makes it a liability.
Best Forms for Liver Disorders
| Form | Dose | Anupana (Vehicle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) | 1 to 3 g twice daily | Warm water or honey, 15 to 20 min before meals | Acute Pittaja liver flare, supportive use in viral hepatitis under guidance |
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 30 to 60 ml twice daily | Plain, before meals | Systemic inflammation, Pittaja Kamala, Rakta-dhatu cleansing |
| Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) | 100 to 150 ml, warm | Morning or bedtime | Chronic Pitta-Vata depletion, post-hepatitis recovery; milk buffers glycyrrhizin |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) | 380 to 760 mg, chewed | 15 to 20 min before meals | The safe long-term form for anyone with hypertension or fluid-retention risk |
Anupana and Timing by Pattern
For active Pittaja liver inflammation with burning, yellow tinge, or elevated enzymes, Licorice powder 1 to 2 g twice daily before meals in warm water is the classical starting dose. Pair with Kutki as the lead Pitta-draining herb; Licorice provides the soothing, protective layer alongside.
For chronic viral hepatitis or post-hepatitis recovery, the milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) is the classical preparation. The warm milk buffers glycyrrhizin, softens the herb's mineralocorticoid side effects, and adds tissue-nourishing action to the demulcent protection. Run as a course of 4 to 6 weeks, then pause for at least 4 weeks before any further course.
For autoimmune-pattern liver inflammation where stress flares are a clear trigger, pair Licorice with Ashwagandha for adrenal and HPA-axis support. Use short courses with monitoring of blood pressure.
The Safe Long-Term Form: DGL
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhizin removed but keeps the demulcent and mucosal-protective compounds intact. It retains most of the gastric and oesophageal benefits with essentially none of the blood-pressure risk, making it the right choice for daily long-term GI use and for anyone with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart disease. DGL is the only form generally safe for indefinite use.
Duration and What to Expect
Subjective improvements in right-side discomfort, fatigue, and skin clarity typically appear within 2 to 4 weeks of starting Licorice at therapeutic dose. Liver enzyme improvements, where they occur, usually require 8 to 12 weeks. A course should not exceed 6 to 8 weeks of continuous whole-root use; pause for at least 4 weeks before reassessing whether another course is warranted. If long-term hepatoprotection is needed, rotate to Amla or Bhumyamalaki as the daily base and reserve Licorice for acute flare periods.
Critical Safety Notes
Do not use whole-root Licorice if you have hypertension, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or are taking corticosteroids, diuretics, or cardiac medications. The same glycyrrhizin that protects hepatocytes also slows cortisol breakdown, causing sodium retention, potassium loss, and rising blood pressure in susceptible individuals. Monitor blood pressure during any Licorice course. Discontinue immediately at the first sign of swelling, fluid retention, or unexplained headaches. For long-term mucosal and demulcent support without these risks, use DGL instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for liver disorders?
Symptomatic relief in right-side discomfort, skin clarity, and fatigue typically appears within 2 to 4 weeks of starting Licorice at therapeutic dose. Liver enzyme improvements (ALT, AST), where they occur, usually require 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use alongside dietary change. Licorice should not be taken continuously beyond 6 to 8 weeks without a break; pause for at least 4 weeks before considering another course. If long-term protection is the goal, rotate to Amla or Bhumyamalaki as the daily base.
Can I take Licorice if I have high blood pressure?
Not the whole-root form. Glycyrrhizin, the compound that gives Licorice much of its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory action, slows cortisol breakdown in the kidneys, which causes sodium retention, potassium loss, and rising blood pressure in susceptible individuals. If you have hypertension, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or are on corticosteroids, diuretics, or cardiac medications, whole-root Licorice is contraindicated. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), which has glycyrrhizin removed, is the safe long-term alternative and keeps the demulcent and mucosal-protective benefits. For active liver inflammation in someone with high blood pressure, lead with Bhumyamalaki and Turmeric instead.
What is the best form of Licorice for liver disorders?
It depends on the pattern. For acute Pittaja liver inflammation (burning, yellow tinge, elevated enzymes), Licorice powder 1 to 2 g twice daily in warm water before meals is the workhorse form. For chronic viral hepatitis or post-hepatitis recovery, the classical milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) is the preparation of choice; the warm milk buffers glycyrrhizin and softens its salt-retaining effect. For long-term use in anyone with cardiovascular or kidney concerns, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) at 380 to 760 mg before meals is the only generally safe option. For autoimmune-pattern liver inflammation, pair with Ashwagandha for adrenal and HPA-axis support.
Licorice vs Kutki for liver, which is better?
They do different jobs and the right answer is usually to use both. Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is the bitter, draining, intensely Pitta-cooling herb that directly reduces liver inflammation and enzymes; it is the lead therapeutic for acute Pittaja Kamala and elevated AST/ALT. Its action is sharp and effective but it should not be used continuously beyond 8 to 12 weeks. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is the sweet, soothing, protective herb that stabilises hepatocyte membranes and modulates the immune-stress axis driving chronic and autoimmune hepatitis. Its action is gentler but covers ground that bitter drainers cannot reach. For acute Pittaja inflammation: Kutki leads, Licorice supports. For chronic viral or autoimmune hepatitis where stress is a clear trigger: Licorice is the structural fit. The classical formula Arogyavardhini Vati combines both alongside other liver herbs and remains the most comprehensive single classical preparation for liver disorders.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Liver Disorders
If you want to start using Licorice for liver health today, the simplest starting point is the classical Yashtimadhu Kashaya, a short cooling decoction taken as a 4 to 6 week course rather than an indefinite Rasayana.
Best form: Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna), 1 to 2 g twice daily, 15 to 20 minutes before meals. Powder is dose-precise and lets you control glycyrrhizin exposure. For chronic recovery, the warm milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) is the classical preparation; the milk buffers the herb and makes it gentler on blood pressure.
Kitchen recipe (Yashtimadhu Kashaya): Simmer 3 to 5 g of crushed Licorice root in 2 cups of water until reduced by half. Strain. Sip warm before meals. For chronic Pitta-Vata depletion, prepare instead as a milk decoction: simmer 1 teaspoon of powder in 200 ml of milk and 200 ml of water until the water boils off. Drink warm, twice daily for 4 to 6 weeks, then pause.
Dosha fork:
- Pittaja liver flare (burning, yellow tinge, elevated AST/ALT, viral hepatitis): Licorice powder 1 to 2 g twice daily before meals, paired with Kutki as the lead Pitta-draining herb. Cap at 6 to 8 weeks.
- Autoimmune or stress-driven hepatitis: Pair Licorice with Ashwagandha for adrenal and HPA-axis support. Run as a 6-week course with blood pressure monitoring.
- Long-term liver maintenance with hypertension or kidney risk: Use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) instead, 380 to 760 mg before meals, indefinitely safe. Pair with Amla and Turmeric as the daily base.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Find DGL Licorice on Amazon ↗
Safety note: Do not use whole-root Licorice if you have hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or are taking corticosteroids, diuretics, or cardiac medications. The same glycyrrhizin that protects hepatocytes also drives sodium retention and rising blood pressure in susceptible individuals. For long-term use in these populations, DGL is the safe alternative.
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 Liver Disorders
See all herbs for liver disorders on the Liver Disorders 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.