Licorice for Liver Inflammation: Does It Work?
Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most studied herbs in the world for liver inflammation — and one of the most ancient. The classical signature is unusual: sweet rasa (Madhura), cold potency (Sheeta Virya), and a clear anti-inflammatory action (Shothahara) listed in Bhavaprakasha. Where most liver herbs are bitter and stimulating, Licorice works by soothing, demulcent action — a quiet, cooling protection of the hepatocytes that has made its principal compound, glycyrrhizin, a registered hepatitis therapy in Japan for over fifty years.
The herb is sweet and bitter in taste, with cold virya and a generally Pitta-Vata pacifying effect (it can mildly aggravate Kapha if overused). Bhavaprakasha lists it as Pitta Shamaka, Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Varnya (complexion-improving — a Rakta Dhatu indicator), Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), and Balya (strengthening). In hepatitis — where the liver is hot, inflamed, and the blood corrupted by excess 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. Licorice protects — it forms a soothing, cooling 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, but 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 Inflammation
Licorice's action on the inflamed liver is the action of a demulcent, immune modulator, and Pitta-cooling Rasayana — three layers that align unusually well with what modern hepatology now understands about chronic hepatitis. In Ayurvedic terms, it pacifies Ranjaka Pitta at the liver, Sadhaka Pitta at the heart-mind axis (relevant in autoimmune hepatitis where stress is a trigger), and Rakta Dhatu heat. In biochemical terms, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid modulate the inflammatory cascade and protect hepatocyte membranes.
Madhura-Sheeta cools 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 like Punarnava cool by sharpness and drainage, Licorice cools by softening and soothing — clinically you see less burning in the right upper quadrant, calmer skin, and less heat in the urine.
Shothahara protection of inflamed hepatocytes
Bhavaprakasha lists Licorice as Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Vrana Ropana (wound healing). At the cellular level this is the action that glycyrrhizin is known for — stabilising hepatocyte membranes, reducing transaminase leak, and protecting cells under viral or chemical attack. Japanese clinical use of intravenous glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) for chronic hepatitis B and C draws from exactly this property. In Ayurvedic terms, it is a perfect example of Pitta Shamaka + Vrana Ropana applied to the inflamed Yakrit.
Rakta Shodhana and Varnya action
Licorice is classed as Varnya (complexion-improving), which in Ayurveda is a marker of Rakta Dhatu and Pitta health. In hepatitis, Rakta is corrupted by excess Pitta; the skin shows it through yellowing, dullness, or breakouts. Licorice cleans Rakta Dhatu, reduces the systemic Pitta load, and supports the visible recovery of skin and complexion that mirrors internal liver healing.
Sadhaka Pitta and the immune-stress axis
Autoimmune hepatitis and stress-driven flares of chronic hepatitis involve Sadhaka Pitta — the heart-mind processing fire. Licorice is famously Sattvic, calming, and adrenal-supportive (its anti-inflammatory cortisol-sparing action is well established). By cooling Sadhaka Pitta and quieting the stress response, Licorice helps remove one of the key triggers that keeps autoimmune and chronic viral hepatitis flaring.
How to Use Licorice for Liver Inflammation
Licorice is taken as dried root powder, decoction, or as part of compound formulas. For liver inflammation, the dose has to be carefully judged — glycyrrhizin's salt-retaining and blood-pressure-raising effect means classical Yashtimadhu cannot be used at high doses indefinitely. Astanga Hridaya repeatedly recommends it in compound formulas where its dose is naturally limited, rather than as a heroic single-herb intervention.
| Form | Dose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu churna (root powder) | 1 to 3 g once or twice daily with warm water | Pittaja hepatitis, burning, acidity alongside liver inflammation |
| Kashaya (decoction) | 30 to 50 ml once daily | Acute Pitta flare, mucosal irritation, gastritis with hepatitis |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) capsule | Per label, usually 380 to 500 mg twice daily | Long-term use, BP-sensitive patients, gastric protection alongside |
| Compound formulas (Sitopaladi, Yashtimadhu Ghrita) | Per label or practitioner | Balanced classical dosing in convalescence |
How to take it
For acute Pittaja hepatitis with burning, hot urine, and irritability, Yashtimadhu churna 1 to 3 g with cool water in the morning, on empty stomach, is the standard classical dose. For long-term liver support — especially in chronic hepatitis B or C — DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is safer; it retains most of the soothing, immune-modulating effect of Licorice without the mineralocorticoid burden, making it appropriate for extended use.
Licorice pairs beautifully with Pitta-cooling Rasayanas. A traditional combination is Yashtimadhu churna with Amla churna in equal parts, taken with warm water for daily liver and Rakta support. In Pittaja Kamala with mucosal irritation (mouth ulcers, gastritis), a teaspoon of Licorice decoction or Yashtimadhu Ghrita can be taken before meals.
Cautions
This is the one Ayurvedic liver herb that requires real dose discipline. Glycyrrhizin causes sodium and water retention and potassium loss; chronic high-dose use can raise blood pressure, cause oedema, and trigger hypokalaemia. Do not use whole-root Licorice if you have hypertension, congestive heart failure, oedema, low potassium, or are on diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids. Patients with chronic hepatitis B and pre-existing hypertension should use DGL only. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication. Acute viral hepatitis with deep jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites, or coagulopathy is a hospital emergency — Licorice is an adjunct at best. Chronic viral hepatitis requires hepatologist supervision. Alcoholic hepatitis demands complete alcohol cessation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice safe in chronic hepatitis B or C?
Licorice — specifically its glycyrrhizin component — has the longest clinical track record of any herbal liver therapy. Japanese hepatology has used intravenous glycyrrhizin for decades in chronic hepatitis B and C with documented enzyme reduction. Oral whole-root Licorice can offer some of this benefit, but the dose must be carefully managed to avoid mineralocorticoid side effects. For long-term oral use in chronic hepatitis, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is the safer choice. Always co-manage with your hepatologist; Licorice does not replace antiviral therapy.
Will Licorice raise my blood pressure?
Whole-root Licorice can, yes — glycyrrhizin causes sodium and water retention and potassium loss, both of which raise blood pressure. This is the single most important caution with this herb. If you have hypertension, oedema, congestive heart failure, low potassium, or take diuretics, switch to DGL or avoid Licorice entirely. Short courses (4 to 6 weeks) of moderate-dose whole root in a healthy-BP patient are generally safe, but BP and serum potassium should be monitored if you continue beyond that.
Licorice vs Bhumi Amla — which is better for viral hepatitis?
Licorice and Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) target hepatitis through different mechanisms. Bhumi Amla has direct anti-hepatitis-B-virus action documented in modern research and is preferred for active viral suppression. Licorice provides protective, immune-modulating, and hepatocyte-stabilising action — better for managing chronic inflammation, autoimmune hepatitis, and protecting cells under antiviral therapy. They are often combined: Bhumi Amla for the virus, Licorice for the inflammation.
How long should Licorice be taken for liver inflammation?
Whole-root Licorice should be limited to 4 to 6 weeks at moderate doses, then either stopped or switched to DGL for longer use. Take periodic 2 to 4 week breaks. DGL can be used for longer periods (3 to 6 months) more safely but should still be monitored. Check blood pressure and serum potassium every 4 to 6 weeks while on whole-root Licorice. Stop immediately if you develop ankle swelling, headache, or muscle weakness — signs of glycyrrhizin overdose.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Liver Inflammation
If the liver inflammation picture is one of burning Pitta, irritated mucosa, raised liver enzymes, or chronic viral hepatitis where you need cellular protection alongside any antiviral therapy, Licorice is one of the most evidence-supported Ayurvedic adjuncts available. It is the protective, cooling, immune-modulating herb in the liver toolkit — not the drainage herb.
Best form to start with
For acute Pittaja hepatitis or short-term use, Yashtimadhu churna 1 to 3 g once daily with cool water on empty stomach. For long-term support in chronic hepatitis or BP-sensitive patients, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) 380 to 500 mg twice daily before meals. Re-evaluate at 4 to 6 weeks. Whole-root use beyond 6 weeks needs BP and potassium monitoring.
Kitchen version
A simple Yashtimadhu decoction: half a teaspoon of dried Licorice root powder (or a small piece of root) simmered in 250 ml water for 10 minutes, strained, taken cool with a small piece of misri (rock sugar) once a day. The taste is naturally sweet, so anupana is rarely needed. Do not exceed one cup daily without supervision.
Match it to your dosha picture
For Pittaja Yakrit Shotha (burning, hot urine, mouth ulcers, gastritis alongside hepatitis), Licorice is ideally suited — pair with Amla juice for full Pitta cooling. For Kaphaja fatty liver hepatitis (heavy abdomen, lethargy, fluid retention, NAFLD), Licorice is generally not the first choice — its sweetness and salt-retaining effect can worsen Kapha and fluid retention. Use Punarnava or Turmeric instead. For Vataja wasted liver (post-hepatitis weakness, dryness), Licorice in a Ghrita base (Yashtimadhu Ghrita) is excellent for rebuilding.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Milk Thistle (Silymarin) ↗
Safety check before you start
This is the one liver herb that demands dose discipline. Do not use whole-root Licorice if you have hypertension, oedema, heart failure, low potassium, or take diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids. Use DGL instead. Acute viral hepatitis with deep jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites, or coagulopathy is a hospital emergency. Chronic viral hepatitis B or C requires a hepatologist and antiviral therapy where indicated. Alcoholic hepatitis demands complete alcohol cessation. Inform your physician about Licorice use alongside any prescription drug.
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 Hepatitis
See all herbs for hepatitis on the Hepatitis 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)
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