Licorice for Lung Diseases: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with lung diseases? In Ayurvedic tradition, Yashtimadhu is the herb you reach for when the airway is raw, the voice is affected, the cough is dry, or the lung tissue itself has been wounded by long illness. Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga classifies it as both Kanthya (throat and voice protective) and Shvasahara (relieving dyspnea), a rare combination that makes it the classical soothing-and-strengthening lung herb. It is also a mucilage and Rasayana, which is why it works equally well in acute throat-and-bronchus inflammation and in slow recovery from chronic respiratory illness.
The Ayurvedic framing matters. Lung diseases (Phupphusa Roga) sit in the Pranavaha Srotas. Most acute cases involve aggravated Kapha; many chronic and recovery-phase cases involve depleted lung tissue and aggravated Vata on top. Licorice's signature property profile, sweet and bitter in taste, cold in potency, with a heavy and unctuous quality, addresses both. It cools inflammation, soothes the dry rawness that follows prolonged coughing, and rebuilds tissue through its Rasayana action. Bhavaprakash specifically lists Yashtimadhu's karma as Balya (strength-giving), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Mridu Virechana (mild laxative), and prime Kanthya.
What sets Licorice apart from purely Kapha-clearing lung herbs like Pippali or Vasaka is its protective, restorative work. It does not stimulate expectoration so much as it coats, calms, and rebuilds. This makes it the herb of choice for post-pneumonia dry cough, the lingering raw throat after weeks of coughing, voice loss following respiratory infection, and the recovery phase of chronic lung disease where the bronchial mucosa needs to heal rather than be stripped further.
An honest caveat before starting. Active pneumonia, suspected tuberculosis, severe breathlessness, or any frank coughing of blood requires medical evaluation. Licorice is also subject to a real modern caution: long courses raise blood pressure and lower potassium. Used for short courses, or as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) for longer use, it is one of the most reliable soothing lung herbs in the materia medica.
How Licorice Helps with Lung Diseases
Licorice's action on the respiratory tract rests on a property profile that is unusual among lung herbs: it is sweet, cold, heavy, and mucilaginous, where most lung-acting herbs are bitter, drying, and hot. This combination is exactly what damaged or inflamed lung tissue needs.
Property profile and lung action
Yashtimadhu is sweet with a secondary bitter taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), sweet in post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka), with heavy and unctuous quality (Guru, Snigdha Guna). The dosha effect is VP-K+: it pacifies Vata and Pitta but can aggravate Kapha in excess.
Each property maps onto a specific lung mechanism. The sweet rasa and unctuous quality coat the inflamed bronchial mucosa, this is the demulcent action, the same logic by which classical formulations use licorice for any raw, dry, scraped tissue. The cold virya pacifies the heat and inflammation that drives bronchitis with fever, the late-stage Pitta phase of viral lung infections, and the dry-cough Pitta pattern that follows prolonged airway irritation. The sweet vipaka and Rasayana karma rebuild the lung tissue itself.
The classical credentials
Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga places Yashtimadhu among the most frequently used drugs in Ayurveda and explicitly names it as the prime Kanthya drug, the herb that protects and restores the throat and voice. It also classifies Yashtimadhu as Shvasahara (relieves dyspnea), Balya (strengthening), Rasayana (rejuvenative), and Chakshushya (good for the eyes). The combination of Kanthya, Shvasahara, and Rasayana is what makes it the lung herb for recovery and rebuilding rather than for acute clearing.
Yashtimadhu is also a frequent ingredient in classical respiratory formulations including Sitopaladi Churna and various Vasa-based jams, where it serves as the soothing and tissue-protective component alongside more clearing herbs like Vasaka, Pippali, and Tulsi. The classical pairing is consistent: licorice softens what the other herbs clear.
Modern pharmacology
The root contains glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids (liquiritin, isoliquiritin), and mucilage. Glycyrrhizin has documented anti-inflammatory and demulcent effects in the airway, and reduces cough sensitivity in clinical trials. Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is why long courses can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, the same mechanism behind both licorice's anti-inflammatory power and its main side effect. Recent respiratory research also shows licorice extracts have mucolytic, expectorant, and antiviral activity in vitro, supporting the classical use for the full arc of respiratory illness from acute infection through recovery.
How to Use Licorice for Lung Diseases
Licorice for lung disease is used differently from clearing herbs like Vasaka or Pippali. Form, dose, and especially duration matter, because the same compound that gives Licorice its anti-inflammatory power also limits how long it can be taken at full strength.
Yashtimadhu decoction (Kwatha)
The classical preparation for respiratory work is a simple decoction. Simmer one teaspoon of dried Licorice root in two cups of water until reduced to one cup. Strain. Take 30 to 50 ml twice daily, warm, on an empty stomach or between meals. For a dry, raw, or post-infection cough, take with a small amount of warm milk; for any residual congestion, take with a teaspoon of honey added after the decoction has cooled.
| Form | Dose | Timing & Anupana |
|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu decoction (Kwatha) | 30 to 50 ml | Twice daily; warm; with honey or milk |
| Yashtimadhu churna (powder) | 1 to 3 g | Twice daily with warm milk and a pinch of ghee |
| Yashtimadhu with ghee (medicated) | 1 tsp medicated ghee | Once daily, morning, on empty stomach |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated extract) | per product label | For courses longer than 4 weeks, especially if hypertensive |
Best form by lung pattern
Dry, raw, post-infection cough or hoarse voice. Yashtimadhu Kwatha with warm milk, twice daily. The combination soothes the mucosa and rebuilds tissue. This is the same logic by which classical practice uses Licorice for the Kanthya (voice and throat) indication.
Bronchitis with residual sticky cough. Yashtimadhu powder with honey, taken after the major Kapha-clearing phase is done. Honey anupana shifts Licorice's action toward expectorant rather than purely demulcent.
Post-pneumonia or post-TB rebuilding. Combine Yashtimadhu with Pippali in milk for the Rasayana phase, after the active infection has been treated. Licorice protects what Pippali stimulates.
Duration: the critical limit
Standard whole-root Licorice should not be taken at full dose for more than 4 to 6 weeks continuously, because glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. For longer courses, chronic bronchitis maintenance, COPD support, post-TB Rasayana, either pulse the herb (3 weeks on, 1 week off) or switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which retains most of the demulcent action without the blood-pressure effect. Acute respiratory use for 1 to 3 weeks at standard dose is safe for most people who do not have hypertension or oedema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice the right herb for asthma, COPD, and post-pneumonia recovery?
Licorice fits best where the airway is raw, dry, or the voice is affected. For asthma, it is helpful in Pitta-Vata patterns with dry wheeze and irritation, less useful in pure Kapha bronchospasm with thick wet sputum. For COPD, it is part of the soothing-and-rebuilding strategy, typically paired with Vasaka and Pippali rather than used alone, and watched for blood-pressure effect since COPD patients are often already on cardiovascular medication. For post-pneumonia recovery, Yashtimadhu plus Pippali in milk is the classical Rasayana pairing.
How long can I safely take Licorice?
Whole-root Licorice at therapeutic dose should be limited to 4 to 6 weeks continuous use, or pulsed (3 weeks on, 1 week off) for longer courses. The glycyrrhizin in the root inhibits the enzyme that breaks down cortisol, which can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and cause fluid retention. For longer-term lung support, switch to DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which retains most of the demulcent and tissue-protective effects without the blood-pressure risk.
What about drug interactions and contraindications?
Licorice interacts with several medication classes: it can amplify the potassium-lowering effect of diuretics (especially loop diuretics like furosemide), raise blood pressure in those on antihypertensives, alter cortisol metabolism affecting steroid response, and amplify some heart-rhythm drugs. Avoid in pregnancy, in uncontrolled hypertension, in heart failure, in significant kidney disease, and in those with low potassium. If you are on any of those medications, use DGL or seek clinical supervision.
How does Licorice compare to other lung herbs?
Licorice is the soothing, throat-protective Kanthya herb, best when the cough is dry, the voice is hoarse, or the airway is inflamed. Vasaka is the lead clearing herb for productive cough and blood-streaked sputum. Pippali is the Rasayana for long-arc rebuilding via the Vardhamana protocol. Turmeric is the systemic anti-inflammatory. Strawberry and Vanga appear in classical lists as dietary and metallic adjuncts. Most chronic-lung protocols layer Yashtimadhu underneath the clearing herbs, not instead of them.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Lung Diseases
If you want to start using Licorice for lung disease today, here is the simplest grounded starting point.
Best form: Yashtimadhu Kwatha (decoction). One teaspoon dried root simmered in two cups of water reduced to one cup, taken 30 to 50 ml twice daily, warm. For a dry, raw, or post-infection cough, take with a splash of warm milk and a pinch of ghee. For chronic and recovery-phase work, pair with a Vardhamana Pippali cycle and Vasavaleha for the full classical Pranavaha Srotas Rasayana protocol.
Kitchen version: half a teaspoon of Licorice powder stirred into a cup of warm milk with a small pinch of ghee, taken at night for dry post-infection cough or hoarseness. Limit to 3 to 4 weeks continuous.
Disease-specific fork. Dry, raw, or post-viral cough with sore throat or voice loss: Yashtimadhu Kwatha with milk, 1 to 3 weeks. Post-pneumonia or post-TB Rasayana phase: Yashtimadhu with Pippali in milk, 6 to 8 weeks, pulse the licorice. Chronic bronchitis with productive cough: pair with Vasavaleha, use Licorice with honey anupana. Cold or flu with throat involvement: short course of Kwatha for 5 to 7 days.
Find Licorice (Yashtimadhu) on Amazon ↗ DGL (for longer courses) ↗
Safety, critical. Frank haemoptysis, severe dyspnea, suspected pneumonia or TB, or fever beyond a few days requires medical evaluation. Whole-root Licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium on long courses: limit to 4 to 6 weeks at standard dose, pulse for longer use, or switch to DGL. Avoid in hypertension, heart failure, low potassium, kidney disease, and pregnancy.
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 Lung Diseases
See all herbs for lung diseases on the Lung Diseases 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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