Licorice for Sore Throat: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with a sore throat? Yes, and the classical authority is unusually direct. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Licorice as the prime Kanthya drug, the throat-soothing herb par excellence, and lists it as a foundational ingredient in Sitopaladi Churna and Talisadi Churna, the two classical formulas Ayurveda reaches for in cough, hoarseness, and throat inflammation. In the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of roughly 700 herbs, Licorice is the single name most consistently named for the throat.
The Ayurvedic case rests on a clean property profile. Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pacifies Vata and Pitta while mildly increasing Kapha. Its primary actions for the throat are Kanthya (throat-coating), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Vrana Ropana (mucosal wound healing). Its sweet, viscous nature physically coats the inflamed mucosa, while its cold potency cools the burning of Pittaja Kanta Shotha and its unctuous quality moistens the dryness of Vataja Kanta Shotha.
This makes Licorice the lead herb across Vataja (dry, scratchy, hoarse) and Pittaja (burning, red, fever-driven) sore throat presentations. In Kaphaja patterns (heavy, mucusy, post-nasal drip) it is used in compound formulas like Sitopaladi Churna alongside Pippali and cinnamon rather than alone, since its sweet quality alone could amplify Kapha. Classical home protocols are explicit about the most reliable everyday combination: simmer ginger, cinnamon, and Licorice in a 2:2:3 ratio as a tea, drunk up to three times a day. The Sushruta Samhita goes further, prescribing warm ghee with Yashtimadhu specifically to pacify intense surgical and post-operative throat pain, and modern trials have replicated this finding: gargling with licorice solution before intubation significantly reduces post-operative sore throat versus placebo.
How Licorice Helps with Sore Throat
Licorice acts on sore throat through three connected mechanisms. They cover the inflammation, the dryness, and the irritated mucosa that other respiratory herbs do not address as directly.
Demulcent and throat-coating action
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names Licorice the prime Kanthya drug, the throat-soothing herb. The classical description treats it as both a "mucus membrane toner and soother" and a demulcent that cools the irritated lining. For sore throat, this matters because the dominant symptom in nearly every type is mucosal irritation: a raw burning surface in Pittaja Kanta Shotha, a stripped dry surface in Vataja Kanta Shotha, or a chronically inflamed surface from constant post-nasal drip in Kaphaja Kanta Shotha. Licorice's sweet, viscous nature physically coats the throat and provides immediate relief from the rawness. The high polysaccharide content forms a mucilaginous film on the mucosa that reduces the friction of swallowing and creates an environment that supports tissue repair. This is why a slow-dissolving licorice root stick or a concentrated decoction often produces noticeable relief within minutes.
Anti-inflammatory action and Pitta pacification
Licorice is classified as Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Pitta Shamaka (Pitta-pacifying). The Sushruta Samhita uses warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu specifically to pacify the intense pain caused when surgical instruments fall on body tissue, an unusually precise classical statement of its anti-inflammatory power. For sore throat, this maps directly onto Pittaja Kanta Shotha, the hot, red, swallowing-painful presentation that often accompanies fever and visible inflammation. Licorice's cold potency (Sheeta Virya) directly counters the heat excess, while glycyrrhizin and the licorice flavonoids glabridin and liquiritigenin act on the same inflammatory pathways modern pharmacology has documented in throat tissue. Glycyrrhizin has measurable antiviral activity against several respiratory viruses, including influenza and herpes simplex, and a 2009 randomised trial found that gargling with licorice solution before intubation significantly reduced post-operative sore throat compared with placebo.
Vata-pacifying action on dry, hoarse throat
The third mechanism is the one most often missed. Vataja Kanta Shotha is the dry, scratchy, hoarse pattern that is worst in the morning, worse in cold or air-conditioned environments, and worse after excessive talking. Heating, drying respiratory herbs amplify this picture; what the dry throat needs is sweet, cooling, moistening action. Licorice's sweet vipaka (Madhura Vipaka) and unctuous quality directly oppose Vata's dry, light, mobile nature. Its sweet, heavy moisture rebuilds the protective mucus layer that has been stripped by mouth breathing, dehydration, or voice overuse. This is why classical practice prepares Licorice in milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) for chronic hoarseness, and why a slow-chewed licorice root stick is one of the most effective interventions for the dry-throat pattern that other lozenges cannot reach.
How to Use Licorice for Sore Throat
Licorice for sore throat is most effective when the form is matched to the doshic pattern. For the dry, scratchy Vataja throat the best route is moisture and lubrication; for the burning Pittaja throat the best route is a cooled decoction with raw honey; for the mucusy Kaphaja throat the best route is Licorice inside a balanced compound formula rather than the herb alone.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu Churna) | 1 to 3 g, twice daily | All three sore throat types as a soothing internal base | With warm water and raw honey, after meals |
| Licorice gargle decoction (Kavala) | 5 g root simmered in 200 ml water, reduced to 100 ml | Vataja and Pittaja throat: dry, raw, burning, hoarse | Gargle warm, three times daily; do not swallow |
| Root stick to chew | Small piece, 2 to 3 minutes | On-the-go relief for any sore throat type, especially dry voice | As needed through the day |
| Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) | 100 to 150 ml warm | Chronic hoarseness, post-illness throat dryness, Vata-Pitta pattern | Bedtime, warm |
| Ginger-cinnamon-licorice tea (2:2:3) | 1 tsp blend in hot water, steeped 5 to 10 min | The classical home protocol for any acute sore throat | Up to three times daily |
| Sitopaladi Churna | 3 to 6 g | Kaphaja sore throat with mucus, congestion, post-nasal drip | With raw honey after meals |
| DGL chewable tablets | 380 to 760 mg | Sore throat from acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux); long-term use without blood pressure risk | Chewed 15 to 20 minutes before meals |
The classical home tea
The most reliable everyday preparation is a tea of ginger, cinnamon, and Licorice in a 2:2:3 ratio. Steep one teaspoon of the combined dried herbs in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and sip. Drink up to three cups a day during an acute sore throat. Ginger handles the Kapha and chills, cinnamon warms and brings circulation to the throat, Licorice coats and soothes the irritated mucosa. The ratio favours Licorice for a reason: in most acute presentations, the throat-coating action is the rate-limiting step.
The licorice gargle
For burning, raw, or hoarse throats, prepare a stronger gargle as Kavala: simmer one teaspoon of licorice root powder (or 5 to 6 small pieces of dried root) in two cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes, reduced to roughly one cup. Strain, allow to cool to a warm but not scalding temperature, and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds three times daily. Do not swallow. For added effect, stir in a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder; the curcumin contributes direct topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. This combined preparation has the advantage of working topically without contributing to the daily systemic glycyrrhizin load.
Choosing the right anupana for your pattern
- Vataja (dry, scratchy, hoarse): Licorice in warm anupana of milk or sesame oil. The unctuous vehicle is what carries the herb's sweet, building action into the depleted mucosa. A slow-chewed root stick works for daytime relief.
- Pittaja (burning, red, fever-driven): Licorice powder in cool water with raw honey added after the water has cooled below 40 degrees Celsius. The cooled vehicle preserves the cold-potency action and avoids adding heat. A cooled licorice gargle is the most reliable topical layer.
- Kaphaja (mucusy, congested, heavy): Licorice inside Sitopaladi Churna with Pippali, taken with raw honey. The honey's drying (lekhana) action and the Pippali's heat balance Licorice's sweet quality so the formula clears mucus rather than amplifying it.
How long until relief
For the topical layer (gargle, root stick, throat-coating tea), expect noticeable reduction in the rawness within minutes and lasting relief for one to two hours per dose, with most acute sore throats resolving within three to five days of consistent use alongside warm liquids and rest. For the internal anti-inflammatory layer, expect cumulative effect over two to three days. For chronic or recurring sore throats, the safe internal course is roughly four to six weeks of daily use, then a four-week break, to avoid the blood-pressure effects of prolonged glycyrrhizin exposure. DGL is the safe long-term substitute when daily use is needed beyond that window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for a sore throat?
Topical relief is fast. A licorice gargle, a slow-chewed root stick, or a hot licorice tea typically reduces the rawness within minutes and gives lasting relief for one to two hours per dose. The systemic anti-inflammatory action accumulates over two to three days. Most acute sore throats resolve within three to five days of consistent use alongside warm liquids, raw honey, and rest. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, see a medical professional, especially if there is high fever or white patches on the tonsils.
What is the best form of Licorice for a sore throat?
It depends on the dosha pattern. For a dry, scratchy, hoarse Vataja throat, a root stick chewed slowly or warm milk decoction (Ksheerapaka) works best because the unctuous vehicle rebuilds the dried mucosa. For a burning, red, inflamed Pittaja throat, a cooled licorice gargle and licorice powder in cool water with raw honey is the right combination, the heat in the throat is what needs cooling. For a mucusy, congested Kaphaja throat, Licorice inside Sitopaladi Churna with raw honey is preferred over Licorice alone, since the formula's Pippali and cinnamon balance Licorice's sweet quality.
Can I use Licorice with throat lozenges or cough medicine?
Generally yes, with two cautions. Many over-the-counter throat lozenges and cough syrups already contain real licorice or DGL, so check the label to avoid stacking the dose. More importantly, Licorice's sustained-use effect on blood pressure is additive with corticosteroid inhalers, oral steroids, and potassium-wasting diuretics. If you are on any of these, keep internal Licorice use to short courses (one to two weeks for an acute sore throat) or use DGL, which is glycyrrhizin-free and does not carry the blood pressure risk.
Licorice vs Turmeric vs Ginger for sore throat?
They cover different layers. Licorice is the demulcent throat-coater, the lead herb for the dry-and-burning patterns. Turmeric with salt as a gargle is the topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, especially useful when there is visible inflammation or suspected infection. Ginger is the warming expectorant for the mucusy Kaphaja pattern with congestion and post-nasal drip, but it can aggravate a hot Pitta-type throat. The classical sore throat tea uses all three together as ginger-cinnamon-licorice (2:2:3), which is why home protocols reach for the combination rather than any single herb.
Can children take Licorice for a sore throat?
Yes, in small short-course doses. Half a teaspoon of licorice powder in warm water with raw honey, or a few sips of the classical ginger-cinnamon-licorice tea, is appropriate for children over the age of one. Honey itself is contraindicated under one year of age. Children tolerate Licorice well because their adrenal and blood pressure response is rarely the limiting factor. Avoid daily use beyond two weeks at a stretch in any age group.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Sore Throat
If you want to start using Licorice for your sore throat today, here is the simplest starting point.
The single most useful form is organic licorice root, either as cut root sticks for chewing and slow decoction, or as plain licorice root powder. The root stick is a portable lozenge that releases its demulcent compounds slowly against the inflamed throat tissue; the powder is what you use for the classical ginger-cinnamon-licorice tea and for gargles.
Kitchen version (the classical home tea): mix dried ginger, cinnamon, and licorice root powder in a 2:2:3 ratio. Steep one teaspoon of the blend in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, allow to cool slightly, stir in a teaspoon of raw honey, and sip slowly. Drink up to three times a day during an acute sore throat.
Dosha fork:
- Dry, scratchy, hoarse (Vata-type): chew a root stick through the day and have warm Licorice milk decoction at bedtime.
- Burning, red, fever-driven (Pitta-type): gargle a cooled Licorice decoction three times daily and take Licorice powder in cool water with raw honey added once cool.
- Mucusy, congested, post-nasal drip (Kapha-type): skip plain Licorice and reach for Sitopaladi Churna or Yashtimadhu Ghana Vati with raw honey, where Licorice is balanced inside a warming formula.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ DGL Chewables ↗
One caution: keep continuous internal Licorice use to short courses, two weeks at a stretch for an acute sore throat. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, are pregnant, or take potassium-wasting diuretics or oral corticosteroids, use the DGL form instead, which removes the glycyrrhizin component without losing the demulcent and mucosal-healing action.
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 Sore Throat
See all herbs for sore throat on the Sore Throat 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.