Licorice for Threatened Miscarriage: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with Threatened Miscarriage (Garbhasrava)? Yes, classical Ayurveda includes Yashtimadhu in several Garbha-Sthapana (womb-stabilizing) formulations, and Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it in the Haritakyadi Varga as a sweet (Madhura) Rasayana suited to supporting pregnancy. But this is the most supervision-heavy herb on this page, and the gap between "classical use" and "safe self-prescription" is wide. Licorice belongs to a qualified Vaidya's prescription pad, not to a self-care drawer.
Critical framing first. Any bleeding in pregnancy requires obstetric assessment, often urgently. Heavy bleeding, severe one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, fever, or passing tissue is an emergency, go to A&E now. Ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening and cannot be managed with herbs of any kind. Licorice specifically carries an additional concern: high or prolonged doses can raise blood pressure and cause sodium and water retention, both of which are problems already on a Garbhini's risk list. This is why classical use is conservative, brief, and embedded in multi-herb decoctions, never as a solo high-dose churna.
Within those limits, Yashtimadhu's place in Garbha-Sthapana is real and ancient. It appears in Phala Ghrita, the classical medicated ghee prescribed by qualified Vaidyas for threatened miscarriage, alongside Shatavari, Vidari, and Bala. It is sweet, cooling, mucosa-supportive, and gently nourishing to Rasa Dhatu. Its dosha effect (V-, P-, K+) makes it a calming choice for Vata-Pitta-driven instability of the early womb. The right way to use Licorice in Garbhasrava is to take a prescription, not to take initiative.
How Licorice Helps with Threatened Miscarriage
The Ayurvedic mechanism for Yashtimadhu in Threatened Miscarriage (Garbhasrava) rests on three of its properties: sweet taste, cold potency, and the dosha effect that pacifies both Vata and Pitta while gently increasing Kapha. In classical obstetric Ayurveda, Garbha-Sthapana (womb-stabilization) needs exactly that signature: a sweet, unctuous, cooling herb that calms the dryness and movement of Vata at the implantation site without inflaming Pitta.
Madhura, Sheeta, V-P pacifying
Yashtimadhu is the sweet-tasting (Madhura Rasa), cold-potency (Sheeta Virya) archetype. Sweet taste in Ayurveda is the anabolic, nourishing, Ojas-building taste, classically aligned with Garbha-poshaka (womb-nourishing) action. The cold potency calms Pitta-driven heat in Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), which is the classical pattern behind bright red bleeding in early pregnancy. The V-P-pacifying dosha profile reduces the dry, mobile, scattering quality of Vata that classical texts associate with premature uterine activity.
Mucosa support and Kanthya action
Bhavaprakash Nighantu names Yashtimadhu as the prime Kanthya (throat-soothing) drug and lists Vrana Ropana (wound healing) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) among its actions. The same mucosa-soothing chemistry that protects the throat and the gastric lining is part of why classical Garbha-Sthapana decoctions include it, supporting the uterine lining and reducing local inflammation while the pregnancy steadies. Modern pharmacology recognizes glycyrrhizin as a mineralocorticoid-active compound, which is exactly why supervised, low-dose, time-limited use matters: the same chemistry that calms inflammation can, at higher doses, raise blood pressure and cause sodium retention.
Why this is not a solo herb in pregnancy
In every classical Garbha-Sthapana setting, Yashtimadhu appears inside a formulation: Phala Ghrita with Shatavari, Vidari, and Bala, or a Garbha-poshaka kashaya prepared by a classical pharmacy. The other herbs balance the Kapha-increasing tendency of Licorice and dilute the glycyrrhizin load. This formulation logic is the safety net. A pregnant woman taking high-dose solo Yashtimadhu churna loses that net entirely, which is why Vaidya supervision is non-negotiable here.
How to Use Licorice for Threatened Miscarriage
Yashtimadhu for Threatened Miscarriage (Garbhasrava) is a practitioner-prescribed herb, full stop. Do not self-prescribe Licorice churna, Licorice tea, or Licorice candy as a "natural" Garbha-Sthapana measure in pregnancy. The right use is brief, low-dose, embedded in a classical multi-herb formulation, and stopped on a defined schedule.
The classical vehicle: Phala Ghrita
The well-established classical preparation for using Yashtimadhu in pregnancy is Phala Ghrita, a medicated ghee containing Yashtimadhu alongside Shatavari, Vidari, Bala, and other Garbha-poshaka herbs. It is dispensed by classical Ayurvedic pharmacies. Typical Vaidya-prescribed dose is 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm Phala Ghrita stirred into warm milk at bedtime, for a defined course during the threatened phase. The ghee base slows absorption and the formulation dilutes the glycyrrhizin per dose.
Garbha-poshaka Kashayas
Kerala-style and other classical Ayurvedic pharmacies prepare multi-herb Garbha-poshaka decoctions that contain Yashtimadhu in a balanced blend. Typical Vaidya-prescribed dose is 15 to 30 ml of decoction twice daily for a short, defined course. Again, the formulation, not the single herb, is the safety unit.
What to avoid
| Form | Pregnancy Use | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Yashtimadhu churna (high-dose) | Avoid in pregnancy without Vaidya prescription | Glycyrrhizin load can raise BP, cause sodium and water retention |
| Licorice tea, daily | Avoid in pregnancy | Cumulative glycyrrhizin exposure not pregnancy-tested |
| Licorice candy / sweets | Avoid in pregnancy | Real licorice extracts can be high-glycyrrhizin; obstetric guidance is to limit |
| Phala Ghrita | Under Vaidya prescription only | Classical Garbha-Sthapana vehicle, balanced formulation |
| Garbha-poshaka kashaya | Under Vaidya prescription only | Multi-herb decoction, dose and duration defined per pharmacy or Vaidya |
Duration and stopping rules
Whatever the form, Vaidya-prescribed Yashtimadhu in pregnancy is time-limited, usually tied to the threatened phase and tapered as the pregnancy steadies. Stop and call your obstetrician immediately for new-onset headaches, swelling, blood-pressure rise, palpitations, heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or passing tissue. Skip Yashtimadhu entirely if you have pre-existing hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, cardiac disease, low potassium, or renal disease, regardless of who recommended it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice (Yashtimadhu) safe in pregnancy?
In classical Garbha-Sthapana formulations like Phala Ghrita, under qualified Vaidya supervision, in defined low doses and for limited duration, yes. As a solo high-dose churna, daily Licorice tea, or as Licorice candy, no. The active compound glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and cause sodium and water retention, both of which are already pregnancy concerns. Skip Licorice entirely if you have hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or cardiac disease. Any bleeding in pregnancy needs obstetric assessment first.
How long does Yashtimadhu take to work for threatened miscarriage?
The honest answer: a herb does not "work" to stop a miscarriage that is non-viable, and the threatened miscarriages that do continue safely (about 50% with a viable scan) often continue with rest alone. In a Vaidya-prescribed Phala Ghrita or Garbha-poshaka kashaya course, the role of Yashtimadhu is supportive across the threatened phase, typically a defined short course tapered as the pregnancy steadies. It is not a rescue intervention.
Yashtimadhu vs Shatavari for threatened miscarriage, which is the headline herb?
Shatavari is the headline Garbha-poshaka herb, sweet, unctuous, deeply nourishing, modulates progesterone favourably, used throughout pregnancy. Yashtimadhu is the supporting herb inside multi-herb formulations like Phala Ghrita, contributing sweet-cooling mucosa-supportive action but never used solo at therapeutic dose in pregnancy. Shatavari is the lead, Yashtimadhu is the second chair in a defined ensemble.
What about Ashwagandha or Ashoka instead?
Ashwagandha in early pregnancy is controversial and not a first-line Garbha-Sthapana herb. Ashoka is a uterine astringent classically used for excess menstrual bleeding and post-partum tone, not for pregnancy maintenance. Of all four herbs in this set, only Shatavari is a clear first-line pregnancy herb. Yashtimadhu, Ashwagandha, and Ashoka all need Vaidya direction in pregnancy, not self-prescription. Amla in food-tier doses is the safest everyday adjunct.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Threatened Miscarriage
Yashtimadhu for Threatened Miscarriage (Garbhasrava) is a practitioner-only herb in pregnancy. The "quick action" here is not to start a churna, but to start the right conversation.
Best form: Phala Ghrita, the classical medicated ghee formulation containing Yashtimadhu alongside Shatavari, Vidari, and Bala. Typical Vaidya-prescribed dose is 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm Phala Ghrita stirred into warm milk at bedtime, for a defined course only. The ghee base and multi-herb blend dilute the glycyrrhizin and balance Kapha.
Kitchen version: None. Do not improvise. No Licorice tea, no Licorice candy, no DIY churna in pregnancy. The classical safety lies in the formulation and the supervising Vaidya.
Trimester fork: First trimester with threatened miscarriage: Phala Ghrita and Garbha-poshaka kashayas only under Vaidya prescription, alongside obstetric care and rest. Second and third trimester: if your Vaidya extends the formulation as supportive Garbha-poshaka, follow the prescribed dose and stop signals. For everyday pregnancy support, Shatavari milk and food-tier Amla are the safer daily backbone.
Find Phala Ghrita on Amazon ↗ Shatavari Powder ↗
Critical safety, read this first. Any bleeding in pregnancy needs same-day obstetric assessment. Heavy bleeding, severe one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, fever, or passing tissue is an emergency, go to A&E now. Ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening and cannot be managed with herbs. Yashtimadhu specifically can raise blood pressure and cause sodium retention at high doses; skip entirely if you have hypertension, pre-eclampsia, cardiac, or renal disease. Use only inside a Vaidya-prescribed classical formulation as an adjunct to obstetric care.
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 Threatened Miscarriage
See all herbs for threatened miscarriage on the Threatened Miscarriage 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.