Licorice for Pyorrhea: Does It Work?
Yes, Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is one of the most useful gum-tissue herbs for pyorrhea, but its strength is restoration rather than infection control. Pyorrhea is advanced periodontal disease with pocket formation, gum recession, and tooth mobility. The mechanical cause must be cleared first by a periodontist through scaling and root planing. Licorice is what you reach for after, when the gums need to repair, retighten, and re-attach.
Ayurveda calls this condition Dantavestha, a Mukha-Roga driven by combined Pitta, Rakta (blood), Kapha, and Krimi (microbial) involvement at the periodontium. Licorice is classed as Dantya, a beneficial-to-the-teeth herb, and as a gingival Rasayana, a tissue-rejuvenator. Its sweet rasa (Madhura), cold potency (Sheeta Virya), and Pitta-pacifying action soothe the inflamed, raw gum tissue typical of advanced periodontal disease.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, in the Haritakyadi Varga, names Yashtimadhu as Dantya, a herb that nourishes and protects gum tissue, alongside its better-known uses for the throat and stomach lining. The same demulcent action that heals gastric and oral ulcers extends to ulcerated periodontal pockets. Modern research on licorice extract and its principal constituent glycyrrhizin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis, the keystone periodontal pathogen.
Licorice is an adjunct, not a substitute for dental care. Tooth mobility means a periodontist evaluation. Diabetes worsens pyorrhea sharply and must be controlled in parallel. Critically, long-term internal licorice use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, so internal use is short-course only and unsuitable if you already have hypertension.
How Licorice Helps with Pyorrhea
Licorice acts on pyorrhea through three connected pathways: tissue rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory cooling, and a milder but real antimicrobial effect. It is the Rasayana piece of a Dantavestha protocol, the herb that restores rather than the herb that destroys microbes.
Dantya and gingival Rasayana action
Classical texts categorise Yashtimadhu as Dantya, the term for herbs that benefit teeth and gum tissue, and place it in the same group as gum-supportive Rasayana herbs in the Haritakyadi Varga of Bhavaprakash Nighantu. In advanced pyorrhea, the gum has lost both attachment and substance. The sweet rasa (Madhura), unctuous quality (Snigdha Guna), and cold potency (Sheeta Virya) together rebuild the moist, resilient mucosal lining, opposing the dryness and atrophy of long-standing periodontal disease.
Pitta-Rakta Shamaka: cooling the inflamed gum
Licorice is strongly Pitta Shamaka with a clear cooling action on inflamed mucosa. The same demulcent effect that classical texts describe for the throat and stomach applies to the gingiva. Modern research isolates glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid as the principal anti-inflammatory constituents, acting through inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways including NF-kB and reducing prostaglandin-driven inflammation. In receding gums and chronic gingival ulceration, this matters more than antimicrobial brute force.
Mild Krimighna and Vrana-soothing actions
Glycyrrhizin has documented in-vitro activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and other oral pathogens. The action is gentler than neem but real, and pairs well with a stronger antimicrobial in the same protocol. Licorice's wound-soothing effect on raw, ulcerated periodontal tissue is what makes it particularly useful for the late, painful, post-scaling phase when neem or turmeric alone feel too astringent or harsh.
Because licorice does not directly destroy biofilm, it cannot replace scaling. It supports the soft tissue while a periodontist deals with the hard-tissue cause.
How to Use Licorice for Pyorrhea
For pyorrhea, licorice is used mainly as a topical mouthwash or root-stick chew, since the action needs to reach the gum tissue directly. Internal use has a small supportive role but is sharply limited by blood pressure concerns.
Licorice decoction mouthwash (primary form)
Boil 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu root powder, or 2 to 3 small pieces of dried licorice stick, in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Reduce to 1 cup. Strain and cool to lukewarm.
- Use: Swish 2 to 3 tablespoons in the mouth for 60 to 90 seconds, holding briefly against the most affected gum areas. Twice daily after brushing.
- Anupana (vehicle): Water based. A few drops of warm sesame oil can be added if the gums feel dry or atrophic, which suits the recession seen in advanced cases.
- Duration: 4 to 6 weeks alongside professional scaling. Soothing effect is usually felt within the first week.
Licorice stick chew
A small piece of dried licorice root, chewed gently on the affected side for 5 minutes, releases glycyrrhizin and the demulcent constituents directly onto the periodontal tissue. Avoid if you have very loose teeth, as the chewing pressure can stress mobile dentition.
Dosage table
| Form | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice decoction mouthwash | 2 to 3 tbsp | 2x daily | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Licorice stick chew | 1 small piece | 1x daily | Ongoing if tolerated |
| Yashtimadhu powder (internal) | 1 to 3 g with warm water | 1 to 2x daily | Maximum 2 to 3 weeks |
Internal licorice is useful for the systemic Pitta-Rakta inflammation that often accompanies advanced pyorrhea, particularly in heat-type constitutions, but the course must be kept short. Glycyrrhizin can cause pseudoaldosteronism with prolonged use: sodium retention, potassium loss, and rising blood pressure. Avoid internal licorice entirely if you have hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or are on diuretics or digoxin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for pyorrhea?
The soothing, demulcent effect on raw, inflamed gum tissue is usually felt within the first week of daily licorice mouthwash. Visible improvement in gingival colour, less bleeding on probing, and reduced sensitivity typically appear by 3 to 4 weeks. Tissue rejuvenation and pocket-depth changes depend on scaling and root planing done by a periodontist; licorice is the soft-tissue support after the mechanical work.
Can I take licorice if I have high blood pressure?
Topical licorice mouthwash is generally fine because absorption is minimal. Internal Yashtimadhu, however, can raise blood pressure and lower potassium through glycyrrhizin's mineralocorticoid-like effect. If you have hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or are on diuretics or digoxin, avoid internal licorice and stick to the rinse and stick chew only. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) avoids this issue but is also less effective topically.
What is the best form of Licorice for pyorrhea?
The decoction mouthwash is the best form for pyorrhea. It delivers the demulcent, anti-inflammatory action directly to the inflamed and recessed gum tissue. The licorice stick chew is a strong second when teeth are stable. Internal powder has a niche role for short-term systemic Pitta cooling, but is constrained by blood pressure cautions.
Licorice vs Neem vs Turmeric for pyorrhea?
Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is the gum-tissue Rasayana, best for sensitivity, recession, atrophy, and the soothing phase after scaling. Neem (Nimba) is the antimicrobial workhorse for pus and active infection. Turmeric (Haridra) is the anti-inflammatory and wound-healer for swelling and ulceration. Most full protocols combine all three. Triphala rinse and sesame seed oil pulling extend the maintenance layer. See also gingivitis, bleeding gums, and gum disorders for related protocols.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Pyorrhea
If you want to start using Licorice for pyorrhea today, here is the simplest entry point: a twice-daily Yashtimadhu decoction mouthwash, paired with a neem rinse, a turmeric-salt gum massage, and sesame oil pulling on waking. Licorice is the soothing, tissue-rebuilding piece of the protocol for Dantavestha.
Best form: Licorice decoction rinse, swished for 60 to 90 seconds twice daily. The demulcent, anti-inflammatory action needs direct contact with the inflamed gum line; a swallowed capsule cannot reach it, and prolonged internal use has blood-pressure costs.
Kitchen version: Simmer 1 teaspoon Yashtimadhu powder (or 2 to 3 small pieces of dried licorice stick) in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled decoction as a mouthwash, holding it briefly against the most painful gum areas.
Severity fork:
- Early (mild sensitivity, slight recession): Licorice mouthwash twice daily plus dental cleaning is often enough.
- Moderate (clear recession, 4 to 5 mm pockets): Licorice rinse plus neem rinse plus turmeric massage, alongside scaling every 6 months.
- Advanced (mobility, pus, pockets above 5 mm): Periodontist evaluation first for scaling and root planing. Licorice becomes the post-scaling soothing layer.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Licorice Root Sticks ↗
Critical safety: Pyorrhea is not herb-treatable alone. Scaling and root planing by a periodontist is essential. Any tooth mobility requires periodontist evaluation. Uncontrolled diabetes accelerates pyorrhea sharply. Long-term internal licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, so internal use is short-course only, and avoided entirely if you have hypertension or take diuretics or digoxin.
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 Pyorrhea
See all herbs for pyorrhea on the Pyorrhea 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.