Licorice for Throat Disorders: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with throat disorders (Kantha Roga)? 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. In the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of roughly 700 herbs, Licorice is the single name most consistently invoked for the throat.
Kantha Roga is the broad classical category covering disorders of the throat: sore throat, hoarseness, tonsillitis, dryness, swelling, pharyngitis, and voice strain. The Sushruta Samhita's Nidana Sthana, Chapter 16 enumerates the sub-types based on dosha involvement, and across nearly all of them Yashtimadhu appears as a primary or supporting herb.
The fit is structural. 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, its cold potency cools the burning of Pitta-driven inflammation, and its unctuous quality moistens the dryness of Vata-driven hoarseness and voice loss.
The Sushruta Samhita goes further: it prescribes warm ghee with Yashtimadhu for surgical and post-operative throat pain, and modern trials have replicated this finding. Licorice gargles before intubation significantly reduce post-operative sore throat compared to placebo. Across acute infection, chronic hoarseness, and recovery from voice strain, Licorice is the lead throat herb of Ayurveda.
How Licorice Helps with Throat Disorders
Throat disorders (Kantha Roga) in Ayurveda are dosha-typed: Vataja presents with dryness, hoarseness, scratchy throat, and voice loss; Pittaja with burning, redness, fever, and inflammatory swelling; Kaphaja with thick mucus coating, congestion, and post-nasal drip. Licorice addresses the first two directly and supports the third in compound formulas.
The throat-coating mechanism
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a saponin roughly fifty times sweeter than sucrose, and a fraction of flavonoids including glabridin and liquiritigenin. The sweet, viscous quality is not metaphor: glycyrrhizin literally forms a demulcent film over the pharyngeal mucosa, the same mechanism by which sucralfate works in modern peptic ulcer care. This is what classical Ayurveda calls Kanthya, throat-coating action.
Beneath that protective layer, the flavonoid fraction does anti-inflammatory work. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the metabolite of glycyrrhizin, inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which raises local cortisol activity and reduces the redness and swelling of inflamed mucosa. This is the Shothahara action of the Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
The Ayurvedic dosha mechanism
Licorice's VP minus, K plus dosha effect explains its precise indication. For Vata-type throat disorders (dryness, raw scratching, lost voice after over-use), the sweet rasa and unctuous quality moisten and rebuild. For Pitta-type (red, hot, swollen tonsils, fever-driven sore throat), the cold potency directly counters the heat excess (Pitta Prakopa). For Kapha-type (thick coated tongue, mucus-loaded throat), Licorice is used in smaller proportions inside formulas like Sitopaladi Churna alongside Pippali and cinnamon rather than alone.
Modern research
Pre-operative licorice gargles have reduced post-extubation sore throat incidence by roughly half in randomized trials. Licorice lozenges show measurable reductions in pharyngeal pain scores in viral sore throat. The same anti-inflammatory profile underlies its use in laryngitis and chronic voice strain, where the inflamed vocal folds need both physical coating and reduction of local inflammation.
How to Use Licorice for Throat Disorders
Best forms for throat disorders
For acute sore throat, hoarseness, or tonsillitis, the gold-standard preparation is a Yashtimadhu decoction gargle: simmer 1 teaspoon (about 3 g) of Yashtimadhu powder or root in a cup of water for 8 to 10 minutes, strain, cool to comfortably warm, and gargle 3 to 4 times per day. The viscous decoction coats the pharynx and delivers the demulcent action exactly where it is needed.
For chronic dry hoarseness or voice strain, the same decoction with a teaspoon of honey added after cooling is the classical pattern. For sustained internal use beyond a few weeks, switch to DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) chewable tablets to avoid the blood pressure effects of whole-root glycyrrhizin.
Dosage table
| Form | Dose | Anupana | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoction gargle | 1 tsp (3 g) in 1 cup water | Used as gargle, not swallowed | 3–4x daily, acute phase |
| Powder (Churna) | 1–3 g | Warm water or honey | 2x daily, between meals |
| Honey-licked paste | 0.5–1 g powder + 1 tsp honey | Lick slowly | 3x daily for hoarseness |
| Yashtimadhu Ghrita | 1/2 tsp medicated ghee | Plain or with warm milk | Morning, voice strain |
| DGL tablet | 250–500 mg chewed | Before meals | 2x daily, long courses |
Anupana (vehicle)
For Vata-dry-hoarse pattern, take with warm milk and a pinch of ghee to amplify the unctuous, moistening effect. For Pitta-red-burning pattern, take with cool water and honey (added after the decoction has cooled, never boiled). For Kapha-mucus pattern, take with warm water and a pinch of ginger to balance the sweet quality.
Duration
Acute sore throat: gargling typically reduces pain within 24 to 48 hours; continue for 5 to 7 days or until symptoms resolve. Hoarseness from voice strain: 2 to 3 weeks of daily Yashtimadhu Ghrita is the classical course. Chronic pharyngitis: 4 to 6 weeks of DGL plus periodic gargling, with a 4-week break before resuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Licorice work for an acute sore throat?
Most people notice meaningful relief from the gargle within 24 to 48 hours of starting 3 to 4 doses per day. The demulcent coating effect is immediate, the underlying anti-inflammatory action builds over the first 2 to 3 days. If pain is worsening after 72 hours, has high fever, or is one-sided with drooling, that is no longer simple Kantha Roga and needs medical evaluation.
Is Licorice better for acute infection or chronic hoarseness?
Both, but in different forms. For acute infection (sore throat, tonsillitis, post-viral pharyngitis), the gargle plus short-course oral powder is the classical pattern. For chronic hoarseness, voice strain, or singer's throat, Yashtimadhu Ghrita (medicated ghee) taken daily for 2 to 4 weeks is the lead preparation, because it nourishes the dry, depleted Vata-pattern vocal folds rather than just suppressing acute inflammation.
How does Licorice compare with Turmeric, Ajwain, and Bala for throat disorders?
Each addresses a different pattern. Turmeric is the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory gargle for infected, swollen tonsillitis. Ajwain is the Vata-Kapha mover used as steam inhalation when phlegm is stuck and the throat feels heavy. Bala is the Vata-pacifying tissue-rebuilder for chronic hoarseness and post-illness voice weakness. Licorice is the universal lead for direct mucosal soothing and is often combined with one of the other three depending on the dosha pattern.
When should I stop using Licorice and see an ENT?
Persistent hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks, especially in a smoker or over-50 adult, must be evaluated to rule out laryngeal cancer or vocal cord pathology. Other red flags: drooling and inability to swallow saliva (possible peritonsillar abscess or epiglottitis), severe one-sided throat pain with trismus (jaw lock), high fever above 102 F with rigors, or stridor (noisy breathing). These are emergencies, not herbal indications. Licorice can resume after the diagnosis is made and acute treatment is complete.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Throat Disorders
If you want to start using Licorice for throat disorders today, here is the simplest starting point.
The Yashtimadhu decoction gargle is the gold-standard primary form for sore throat, hoarseness, and tonsillitis. Simmer 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder in a cup of water for 8 minutes, strain, cool to warm, gargle 3 to 4 times per day. This delivers the throat-coating (Kanthya) action directly to the inflamed mucosa.
Kitchen version: if you do not have powder, simmer 2 to 3 small pieces of licorice root (sold dried in most spice or tea aisles) in a cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of ginger for 10 minutes. Drink one half, gargle with the other half.
Dosha fork:
- Vata pattern (dry, raw, hoarse, voice loss): add 1/2 teaspoon ghee and a teaspoon of honey to the cooled decoction.
- Pitta pattern (red, burning, fever-driven, swollen tonsils): take with cool water and honey, avoid ghee.
- Kapha pattern (thick coated throat, mucus, post-nasal drip): add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon to balance the sweet quality.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ DGL Chewable Tablets ↗
Safety: see a doctor immediately for high fever, drooling, breathing difficulty, stridor, severe one-sided pain with jaw lock (possible peritonsillar abscess), or hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks (rule out laryngeal cancer). Avoid sustained internal licorice in hypertension, pregnancy, or with potassium-wasting diuretics; use DGL form for long courses.
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 Throat Disorders
See all herbs for throat disorders on the Throat 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.