Licorice for Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with pulmonary tuberculosis? In classical Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu is the prime Kanthya (voice and throat) and Shvasahara (anti-breathlessness) herb, and Bhavaprakash Nighantu places it among the supportive drugs for Rajayakshma, the classical wasting-and-cough complex that maps onto pulmonary TB. It does a job no other Rasayana does as cleanly: it soothes the inflamed, ulcerated, hacking respiratory tract that defines TB cough.
The Ayurvedic case is elegant. Yashtimadhu is sweet in taste (Madhura Rasa), with cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), unctuous and heavy in quality. It pacifies aggravated Vata and Pitta while gently expectorating Kapha. For TB patients this matters because the cough is rarely pure: it is dry and irritating from Vata, hot and burning from Pitta, and intermittently productive from old Kapha lodged deep in the lungs. Licorice covers all three layers and is the central ingredient in two of the most-used classical respiratory compounds, Sitopaladi Churna and Talisadi Churna.
The non-negotiable: pulmonary tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the worldwide standard of care is DOTS antibiotic therapy for six months or longer. Yashtimadhu is an adjunct for cough relief, mucosal healing, and adrenal support during recovery. It does not kill the TB bacillus and never replaces medical treatment.
Yashtimadhu, the prime Kanthya drug, is used in the chronic cough, hoarseness, and inflammation of Rajayakshma and related respiratory conditions.
Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga
How Licorice Helps with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Yashtimadhu works on pulmonary tuberculosis through two intertwined classical actions: Kanthya (throat and voice restoration) and Shvasahara (relief of breathlessness and cough). Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it specifically for chronic cough, hoarseness, ulceration, and the inflammatory wasting that defines Rajayakshma.
Cooling, lubricating, healing
The herb's sweet taste (Madhura Rasa) and cold potency (Sheeta Virya) directly counter the heat that scorches the respiratory mucosa in active TB. Its unctuous quality (Snigdha Guna) coats and soothes the dry, ulcerated airways, which is why classical texts list it as Vrana Ropana (wound healing) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory). The same demulcent action calms the hacking, unproductive cough that breaks sleep and exhausts the patient.
At the same time Yashtimadhu is an expectorant. It liquefies and mobilises the thick, stuck Kapha lodged deep in the lungs, helping the productive component of the cough to clear. Classical actions listed include Balya (strengthening), Medhya (intellect-supporting), and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-cooling), which together address the exhaustion, brain fog, and burning sensations of advanced TB.
The cortisol-sparing angle
Modern research notes that licorice's principal compound, glycyrrhizin, slows the breakdown of cortisol in the body. This is clinically relevant in TB because severe disease and TB-related complications (pleural effusion, IRIS, adrenal involvement) sometimes require corticosteroids. The flip side is the well-known caution: long-term high-dose licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium through the same mechanism. The therapeutic window is real but narrow.
Modern context
Yashtimadhu is the engine of Sitopaladi Churna and Talisadi Churna, the two most commonly prescribed Ayurvedic compounds for chronic respiratory illness. Its role in TB recovery is not to fight bacteria but to keep the airways soothed and patent while antibiotics do the killing, and to support the patient through months of harsh treatment. It is particularly useful when the cough is dry, the voice is hoarse, and the chest burns.
How to Use Licorice for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
For pulmonary tuberculosis, Yashtimadhu is taken to soothe the cough, heal the inflamed airways, and support the patient through months of harsh anti-tubercular therapy. The classical preparation is a decoction (kashaya) of the dried root, but powdered compound formulas like Sitopaladi Churna are easier in daily practice.
Best preparation form
For active TB cough with burning and hoarseness, a fresh decoction of Yashtimadhu root is the most direct delivery. For longer maintenance through the six-month DOTS course, the compound powder formulas that contain Yashtimadhu as their base (Sitopaladi, Talisadi) are gentler and easier on potassium balance.
| Form | Daily dose | Anupana | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu kashaya (decoction) | 30 to 50 ml, twice daily | Honey added after cooling, or warm milk | 2 to 4 weeks at a time, with breaks |
| Yashtimadhu churna (powder) | 1 to 3 g, twice daily | Honey or warm milk | 2 to 4 weeks, with breaks |
| Sitopaladi or Talisadi churna (Yashtimadhu-based compound) | 1 to 3 g, two to three times | Honey at room temperature | Through the active cough phase |
The classical decoction
Simmer 5 to 10 g of coarsely powdered Yashtimadhu root in 4 cups of water until reduced to one cup. Strain. Drink warm, sipping slowly so the unctuous liquid coats the throat. Add a teaspoon of honey only after the liquid has cooled to below body temperature (honey heated above body temperature is considered toxic in classical Ayurveda).
Timing alongside DOTS
Take Yashtimadhu two hours away from your anti-tubercular drugs. Expect cough relief and voice improvement within one to two weeks. Use it in cycles: two to four weeks on, one to two weeks off. Continuous high-dose use beyond six weeks is not recommended due to the blood pressure and potassium effects of glycyrrhizin.
What to avoid
Do not use long-term continuous high doses. Avoid completely if you have uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium, oedema, heart failure, kidney disease, or cirrhosis. Watch for swollen ankles, weight gain, headaches, or muscle weakness, these signal glycyrrhizin overload and require stopping the herb. Caution in pregnancy and when on diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Yashtimadhu cure pulmonary tuberculosis?
No. TB is a bacterial infection that requires a full DOTS course of anti-tubercular drugs for six months or longer. Yashtimadhu is the prime Kanthya (throat) herb in Bhavaprakash Nighantu, used to soothe the inflamed, ulcerated airways and ease cough. It does not kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Stopping antibiotics produces drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat.
How long can I take licorice safely?
Use it in cycles of two to four weeks on, one to two weeks off. Continuous use beyond six weeks at therapeutic doses is not recommended because glycyrrhizin slows cortisol breakdown and can raise blood pressure and drop potassium. If your TB doctor has put you on corticosteroids (for pleural TB or IRIS), avoid licorice entirely unless your physician explicitly approves it.
Yashtimadhu vs Vasaka for TB cough?
They handle different cough patterns. Yashtimadhu is sweet, cooling, and demulcent, best for dry, irritating, hoarse cough with chest burning. Vasaka is bitter and pungent, best when there is blood in sputum (hemoptysis) or thick stuck Kapha. Many classical compound formulas combine both. Pair with Ashwagandha or Shatavari for the wasting.
Who should not take Yashtimadhu?
Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium (hypokalaemia), oedema, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis, and pregnancy. Caution when on diuretics, digoxin, corticosteroids, or insulin. TB patients on long-term corticosteroid courses for pleural TB or IRIS should not add licorice without explicit medical clearance. Watch for ankle swelling, headaches, muscle cramps, these are early signs to stop.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
If you want to start using Licorice (Yashtimadhu) to ease cough and support the airways during your DOTS treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, here is the simplest place to begin.
Best form
Yashtimadhu root powder for a fresh decoction, or Sitopaladi Churna (a classical Yashtimadhu-based compound) for daily convenience. Decoction wins for acute hoarse, burning cough; the compound powder is easier for the months of DOTS recovery.
Kitchen version
Simmer 1 teaspoon (5 g) of Yashtimadhu root powder in 2 cups of water until reduced to half a cup. Strain. Let it cool to warm. Sip slowly, twice daily. Add a teaspoon of honey only after cooling. For maintenance, take 1 g of Sitopaladi Churna with a teaspoon of honey, two times a day.
Find Licorice (Yashtimadhu) on Amazon ↗ Sitopaladi Churna ↗
Critical safety note: DOTS antibiotic therapy is mandatory for pulmonary tuberculosis. Yashtimadhu is an adjunct only, never a substitute. Long-term licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium, use in two to four week cycles with breaks, and avoid entirely in hypertension, oedema, low potassium, heart, kidney, or liver disease, pregnancy, and while taking corticosteroids, diuretics, or digoxin. Always coordinate with your TB physician.
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 Pulmonary Tuberculosis
See all herbs for pulmonary tuberculosis on the Pulmonary Tuberculosis 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.