Licorice for Skin Disorders: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with skin disorders (Kushtha)? Yes, and the classical record is unusually specific. The Sushruta Samhita lists Licorice as a foundational herb for the inflamed, painful, and ulcerative side of skin disease, while the Sharangadhara Samhita places it inside several of Ayurveda's most respected topical pastes, including the famous Dashanga Lepa.
The Ayurvedic case rests on a property profile that maps almost perfectly onto the dominant pattern of Kushtha. Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pacifies Vata and Pitta while mildly increasing Kapha. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as Varnya (complexion-improving), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying). Classical Ayurveda treats most chronic skin disease as a Pitta- and Rakta-dominant problem at its core, which is exactly the heat and blood-impurity axis Licorice is built to address.
Licorice is most useful for Pittaja and Vataja Kushtha: red, hot, burning, inflamed skin and the dry, cracked, ulcerated patterns that come from depleted Rasa and Rakta tissue. The Sushruta Samhita specifically recommends a paste of Yashti (licorice) with sesame for burn ulcers that refuse to heal, and the Astanga Hridaya describes Licorice with ghee as Vrana Ropana, an ulcer-healer. In pure Kaphaja Kushtha (oozing, swollen, itchy lesions), Licorice is used in compound pastes rather than alone, since its sweet quality can amplify Kapha if taken in isolation.
How Licorice Helps with Skin Disorders
The mechanism by which Licorice addresses Kushtha hinges on three karmas the Bhavaprakash Nighantu assigns it: Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrana Ropana (wound-healing), and Varnya (complexion-improving). Each one acts on a different layer of the skin pathology.
Cooling the Pitta-Rakta axis
Classical Ayurveda places Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) at the centre of Kushtha. When Pitta and impure blood deposit in the skin, the result is heat, redness, burning, and inflamed lesions. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet-bitter taste directly counter this. The Sushruta Samhita uses Licorice in milk-based and ghee-based vehicles precisely because that combination delivers a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect deep into the inflamed tissue layers.
Healing ulcers and breaks in the skin
Where the skin has cracked, ulcerated, or refused to heal, classical texts reach for Licorice. The Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30, prescribes a paste of sesame, Madhuka (licorice), and ghee for ulcers that will not close, and the same chapter recommends Licorice with Dhanyamala seed and sesame for burn ulcers rooted deep in the tissue. The Sushruta Samhita records that warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu pacifies the intense pain of post-surgical wounds. The same demulcent, mucous-membrane-toning quality that soothes the gut soothes broken skin.
Lepa: licorice in the classical topical pastes
The Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, lists Licorice as a key ingredient in Dashanga Lepa, the ten-ingredient paste used for inflamed and infected skin alongside turmeric, sandalwood, and other cooling drugs. The same text prescribes a paste of Licorice, blue lotus, raisins, sesame oil, and ghee specifically for Indralupta (alopecia areata), and a Licorice-containing paste for Visarpa (erysipelas, a Vata-driven spreading skin inflammation). The pattern is consistent: where the skin is inflamed, broken, or hot, classical Ayurveda reaches for Licorice as the cooling and tissue-rebuilding agent inside compound pastes.
How to Use Licorice for Skin Disorders
For skin disorders, Licorice is primarily a topical herb in classical Ayurveda. The Sushruta and Sharangadhara traditions both place it inside compound pastes (Lepa), oils, and ghee preparations rather than as a stand-alone internal medicine. Internal Licorice is used in shorter courses and in compound formulas, mainly to cool Pitta and soothe gut inflammation that is feeding the skin pattern.
Topical Lepa: the classical first use
The most direct classical application is Yashti Ghrita Lepa: licorice powder mixed with cow's ghee into a smooth paste, applied to inflamed, ulcerated, or cracked patches. The Astanga Hridaya recommends sesame, licorice, and ghee for non-healing ulcers. For weeping Visarpa-type rashes, the Sharangadhara Samhita uses licorice with sandalwood, blue lotus, and ghee in decoction. Leave the paste on for 30 to 60 minutes, then wash off with cool water.
Internal use (short course)
Internal licorice for skin is used in 4-to-6-week courses, paired with stronger blood-purifiers like Manjishtha or Sariva. Best vehicle (anupana) for inflamed Pitta-type skin: warm milk or cool water. Avoid daily long-term internal use; sustained licorice raises blood pressure.
| Form | Dose | Vehicle | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical paste with ghee | 1 tsp powder + ghee, as needed | Applied directly | Inflamed, ulcerated, or cracked skin |
| Powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) | 1 to 3 g, twice daily | Warm milk or cool water | Internal Pitta cooling, 4 to 6 weeks |
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 30 to 50 ml, twice daily | Plain | For deeper Pitta-Rakta cleanse, compound |
| Medicated ghee (Yashti Ghrita) | 5 to 10 ml in milk | Warm milk at night | Chronic dry, cracked Kushtha |
Duration and pairings
Topical paste shows visible cooling and reduced burning within 3 to 7 days for acute inflammation. For chronic Kushtha, plan an 8-to-12-week protocol where Licorice plays the topical and cooling role, while internal blood purification runs in parallel through Manjishtha, Neem, and Kutki. For dry Vata-type lesions, pair the licorice-ghee paste with warm sesame oil. For Pitta-type heat, combine licorice with turmeric and sandalwood in the paste.
Stop internal licorice if blood pressure rises, if ankles swell, or after 6 weeks of daily use, and take a 4-week break before resuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for skin disorders?
For acute inflammation, the topical licorice-ghee paste reduces redness and burning within 3 to 7 days. For chronic Kushtha like eczema or psoriasis, expect 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use as part of a wider protocol with internal blood-purifiers like Manjishtha. Skin tissue (Twak) has a slow regeneration cycle; patience matters more than aggressive dosing.
Can I use Licorice with steroid creams?
Topical licorice paste does not typically interact with topical steroids, and many people use them in parallel while tapering steroids over weeks. Do not stop steroid creams abruptly. Internal licorice taken for more than 6 weeks can raise blood pressure, so check with your dermatologist and an Ayurvedic practitioner if you are on systemic steroids or blood pressure medication.
What is the best form of Licorice for skin disorders?
For inflamed, cracked, or ulcerated patches, the classical form is a paste of licorice powder mixed with cow's ghee, applied to the affected area. For internal cooling of Pitta-type heat, licorice powder (1 to 3 g) in warm milk, taken in short 4-to-6-week courses, is the safer option than continuous daily use.
Licorice vs Manjishtha for skin disorders?
Manjishtha is the primary internal blood-purifier for Kushtha; it works deep in Rakta Dhatu over months. Licorice is the topical and cooling specialist for inflamed, ulcerated, or post-flare skin. They are complementary rather than competing. Most classical protocols use Manjishtha internally and a licorice-containing Lepa externally. Neem handles infection and oozing; turmeric handles inflammation and discolouration.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Skin Disorders
If you want to start using Licorice (Yashtimadhu) for skin disorders today, here is the simplest classical starting point.
Best form: licorice root powder, used both topically as a paste and (in short courses) internally as a cooling agent. Classical Ayurveda places licorice primarily in topical Lepa preparations for inflamed, cracked, or ulcerated skin.
Kitchen version
Mix 1 teaspoon of licorice powder with enough cow's ghee to form a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer to inflamed, red, or cracked patches. Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat once or twice daily during acute flares.
Dosha fork
If your skin is red, hot, burning (Pitta-type): add a pinch of turmeric and sandalwood powder to the licorice-ghee paste, and drink cool coriander-fennel water through the day. If your skin is dry, cracked, dark (Vata-type): use the licorice-ghee paste with a few drops of warm sesame oil mixed in. If your skin is oozing, swollen, itchy (Kapha-type): skip topical licorice in isolation and use neem paste instead, reserving licorice for compound formulas.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Organic Ghee for Paste ↗
One caution: continuous internal licorice for more than 6 weeks can raise blood pressure. Consult a practitioner if you are on blood pressure medication, oral steroids, or have heart or kidney disease.
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 Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.