Licorice for Tonsillitis: Does It Work?
Yes, Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is one of the most trusted Ayurvedic herbs for tonsillitis, the painful inflammation of the throat lymph tissue that classical texts describe as Tundikeri or Bidalika. When the tonsils swell, redden, and burn on swallowing, Licorice is often the first herb a vaidya reaches for, because it directly soothes the throat lining while cooling the underlying heat.
Ayurveda places acute tonsillitis under the broader category of Mukha Roga (mouth and throat disorders) discussed in Sushruta Samhita Nidana Sthana 16. Bidalika is described as a Pitta-Kapha disorder: stagnant Kapha builds up in the throat, sticky Rakta-Pitta inflames the tissue, and pain on swallowing follows. Licorice fits this picture almost perfectly. Its sweet and bitter taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa), cold potency (Sheeta Virya), and dosha effect of pacifying Vata and Pitta while gently liquefying stuck Kapha match the disease pattern point for point.
Classical Ayurveda groups Licorice among the Kanthya (throat-restoring) drugs, alongside its role as a demulcent, expectorant, and ulcer-healing herb. That same throat-coating, mucus-liquefying, tissue-soothing action is why it shows up in nearly every traditional formula for sore throat, hoarseness, laryngitis, and inflamed tonsils. Used as a gargle, decoction, or sipped with warm water and honey, it gives quick symptomatic relief while the underlying inflammation settles.
How Licorice Helps with Tonsillitis
The reason Licorice works so well for inflamed tonsils sits in its property profile. Its sweet and bitter taste (Madhura-Tikta Rasa) with a cold potency (Sheeta Virya) directly cools the burning Pitta and Rakta-Pitta heat that drives acute tonsillitis. At the same time, its unctuous, demulcent quality coats the raw mucous membrane of the throat, easing the sharp pain that comes with every swallow.
Throat-restorer (Kanthya) action
Ayurvedic tradition classifies Licorice as a primary Kanthya drug, meaning it nourishes, repairs, and restores the throat tissue itself. This is the same property that makes it useful in sore throat, hoarse voice, laryngitis, and cough. In tonsillitis, the Kanthya action accelerates healing of the inflamed lymphoid tissue once the acute heat has subsided.
Mucus liquefaction and clearance
Licorice is described as a mucus-liquefying expectorant that cleanses Kapha from the lungs and stomach. In Bidalika, sticky Kapha pools in the tonsil crypts and traps debris and toxins (Ama). Licorice thins this stagnant mucus so it can be cleared by gargling or swallowing, which reduces the lingering crypt congestion that drives recurrent flare-ups.
Anti-microbial and anti-ulcer support
Modern phytochemistry has identified glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids with documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity against common upper-respiratory pathogens. Classical Ayurveda also notes that Licorice contains natural ulcer-healing steroid precursors, which helps explain its long-standing reputation for healing raw, ulcerated throat surfaces, exactly the picture seen in severe tonsillitis. It pacifies Vata and Pitta while only mildly increasing Kapha, so it is safe to use across both acute Pitta-Kapha and chronic Vata-Kapha presentations of the disease.
How to Use Licorice for Tonsillitis
For tonsillitis, the form of Licorice matters as much as the dose. The throat tissue needs direct contact with the herb, so warm gargles and slow-sipped decoctions usually outperform capsules.
Gargle (Kavala) — the first-line use
Boil 1 teaspoon of Licorice root powder (or 5 g of cut root) in 2 cups of water until reduced by half. Strain, cool to comfortably warm, and gargle deeply for 30 to 60 seconds, 3 to 4 times a day. The warm decoction holds against the inflamed tonsil surface and delivers the cooling, demulcent action right where it is needed.
Decoction (Kashayam) to sip
The same decoction can be sipped slowly, 50 to 100 ml twice a day, on an empty stomach. Slow sipping lets the herb coat the throat on the way down. A pinch of turmeric can be added during acute episodes.
Powder with honey for chronic cases
For repeated or chronic tonsillitis, 1 to 3 g of Licorice powder mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, taken twice a day, works as a slow throat tonic and rejuvenator.
| Form | Dose | Anupana (Vehicle) | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decoction gargle | 1 tsp powder in 2 cups water, reduced by half | Warm water | 3 to 4 times a day | Acute: 5 to 7 days |
| Decoction sip | 50 to 100 ml | Plain, warm | 2 times a day | 5 to 10 days |
| Powder | 1 to 3 g | Warm water or honey | 2 times a day | 2 to 4 weeks for chronic |
| Root stick (chewed) | 1 small stick | Saliva | As needed | For mild irritation |
Anupana (vehicle)
For acute Pitta-Kapha tonsillitis with burning and redness, take with warm water or honey water (honey added once liquid has cooled below 40 C). For chronic, dry, recurrent cases with a Vata-Kapha pattern, take the powder with warm milk and a pinch of turmeric as a longer rejuvenative course.
Duration
Acute tonsillitis usually responds within 3 to 5 days of consistent gargling and decoction. For chronic recurrent cases, plan on 4 to 6 weeks of daily use, then reassess. Licorice is best used in courses rather than continuously, especially in those with high blood pressure or fluid-retention tendencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Licorice work for tonsillitis?
For acute episodes, most people feel noticeable relief in pain and swelling within 2 to 3 days of consistent gargling 3 to 4 times daily. Full resolution typically follows in 5 to 7 days. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve in 48 hours, see a clinician to rule out bacterial strep throat, which usually needs antibiotics.
Can I use Licorice instead of antibiotics for tonsillitis?
Not always. Viral tonsillitis (the majority of cases) responds beautifully to Licorice gargles and supportive care. Bacterial strep tonsillitis with high fever, white pus patches, swollen neck lymph nodes, and no cough usually needs a medical workup and may need antibiotics to prevent complications. Licorice can be used alongside antibiotics for symptom relief, but should not replace them in confirmed strep.
Is Licorice safe for chronic recurrent tonsillitis?
Yes, and it is one of the better long-term choices because of its Kanthya (throat-restorative) and ulcer-healing action. Take in 4 to 6 week courses with breaks rather than continuously. Avoid extended high-dose use if you have high blood pressure, low potassium, kidney disease, heart failure, or are pregnant, because glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention.
Licorice or another herb for tonsillitis?
For acute Pitta-Kapha tonsillitis with burning, choose Licorice or Rose for their cooling Kanthya action. For chronic recurrent Kapha tonsillitis with stuck mucus and dull ache, Vacha gives a warmer, drying push. For autoimmune-tinged recurrent flares with low-grade fever, Guduchi provides immunomodulation. Many traditional protocols combine Licorice with Turmeric for the first 5 days, then shift to Pippali as a Rasayana for prevention.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Tonsillitis
If you want to start using Licorice for tonsillitis today, here is the simplest starting point that works.
Best form: warm Licorice decoction gargle
A warm decoction gargle puts the herb in direct contact with the inflamed tonsils, which beats any capsule for acute throat work. Look for cut and sifted Licorice root or organic Licorice powder (Yashtimadhu churna).
Kitchen version
Simmer 1 teaspoon Licorice powder in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, strain, cool to warm. Gargle deeply for 30 to 60 seconds, 3 to 4 times a day. Sip 50 ml of the same decoction slowly between gargles.
Acute vs chronic fork
For acute Pitta-Kapha tonsillitis (burning, red, hot): add a pinch of turmeric to the gargle and take a teaspoon of honey after sipping. For chronic Vata-Kapha recurrent tonsillitis (dull ache, repeated flares): take 1 to 3 g Licorice powder with warm milk twice daily for 4 to 6 weeks, alongside Pippali Rasayana for long-term prevention.
Find Licorice on Amazon ↗ Raw Honey ↗
Safety: High fever above 39 C, white pus on the tonsils, severe trouble breathing, drooling, inability to swallow saliva, or a muffled "hot potato" voice can signal strep throat, peritonsillar abscess, or airway obstruction. These are medical emergencies. Avoid prolonged high-dose Licorice if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart failure, or are pregnant.
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 Tonsillitis
See all herbs for tonsillitis on the Tonsillitis 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.