Yashtimadhu (Licorice) for Ulcers: The Classical Mucosal Healer

Does Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra, यष्टिमधु), known internationally as Licorice, help with peptic ulcers? Yes, and more decisively than almost any other single botanical. Yashtimadhu is the classical strongest mucosal healer in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia for Pittaja peptic ulcers, what the Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15 describes as Parinama Shula and Annadrava Shula. It is the lead herb across both gastric and duodenal ulcers, with reproducible modern data against Helicobacter pylori.

Form matters as much as the herb. The gold standard for peptic ulcer use is DGL, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, in which glycyrrhizin (the constituent that raises blood pressure, depletes potassium, and causes fluid retention) is removed while the flavonoid and saponin fraction responsible for mucosal healing is preserved. DGL chewable tablets, 250–500 mg before meals, were studied head-to-head against cimetidine in 1980s–90s trials with comparable healing rates and no acid suppression. For active ulcer protocols, DGL is the safer long-term choice.

Yashtimadhu has Madhura Rasa (sweet, rare for an ulcer healer), Sheeta Virya, Madhura Vipaka, and is Tridoshahara with strongest pacification of Vata and Pitta. Compared with the rest of the toolkit: Shatavari is the Pitta-Vata mucosal tonic for chronic, anxious presentations; Amla is the antioxidant preventive base; Guduchi handles immune modulation and H. pylori inflammation; Bilva covers duodenal ulcer with loose-stool overlap (Grahani). Yashtimadhu sits at the centre as the direct mucosal healer, the herb you reach for when there is an actual lesion to close.

How Yashtimadhu Heals Peptic Ulcers

Yashtimadhu acts on peptic ulcers through four overlapping mechanisms, three classical, one with strong modern clinical validation.

1. Mucus production via PGE2, direct mucosal healing

The defining action of Yashtimadhu is stimulation of gastric mucus production. Glabridin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin (flavonoids) and the triterpenoid saponins modulate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signalling in the gastric epithelium, increasing the thickness of the protective mucus-bicarbonate layer. Unlike H2-blockers and PPIs, which suppress acid but do not rebuild the mucosa, Yashtimadhu actively repairs the defensive barrier. This is why DGL closes ulcers without acid suppression.

2. H. pylori inhibition, validated in vitro and in human studies

Yashtimadhu inhibits adherence of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelial cells and shows direct bacteriostatic activity in vitro. Human triple-therapy adjunct trials have shown improved eradication rates when DGL or licorice extract is added to standard antibiotic protocols. Glabridin and licochalcone A are the principal anti-pylori constituents. The Charaka description of Krimi (pathogenic colonising organisms) maps cleanly onto this modern target.

3. Madhura Rasa, Sheeta Virya, cooling and rebuilding Pitta tissue

The classical taste-potency profile of Yashtimadhu is unusual: sweet taste and cold potency. In Ayurvedic ulcer aetiology, Pittaja Parinama Shula is driven by sharp, hot, sour Pitta eroding the gastric mucosa during digestion. Madhura Rasa is the direct antidote, Brimhana (nourishing) and Snigdha (unctuous), rebuilding the eroded tissue, while Sheeta Virya cools the hyperactive digestive fire (Tikshna Agni) without extinguishing it.

4. Modern: clinical equivalence to H2-blockers in gastric ulcer healing

The most consequential modern data on Yashtimadhu comes from controlled DGL trials in the 1980s and 1990s. In open and comparator studies, 380–760 mg DGL chewed three to four times daily produced gastric ulcer healing rates statistically comparable to cimetidine over 8–12 weeks, with relapse rates equal or lower at one-year follow-up. This is the rare instance where a classical Ayurvedic single-drug mechanism, Vrana Ropana (wound healing) of the gastric mucosa, has been independently validated in randomised research. Anti-inflammatory action via NF-kB downregulation and accelerated epithelial regeneration explain the convergence.

How to Use Yashtimadhu for Ulcers

Forms and which one to start with

Yashtimadhu is available as DGL chewable tablets, root powder (churna), classical compound formulations, and as a constituent of polyherbal antacid and ulcer formulas. For peptic ulcers specifically, the preferred forms are:

DGL chewable tablets, 250–500 mg, deglycyrrhizinated. The gold standard for ulcer use. Glycyrrhizin removed; mucosal-healing flavonoids preserved.
Yashtimadhu Churna, plain root powder, 3–5g twice daily. Traditional form; lower glycyrrhizin load than concentrated extract but not zero, limit to short courses.
Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam, classical sweet electuary with Yashtimadhu as lead drug. Used for chronic heartburn and Amlapitta backgrounds.
Avipattikara Churna, contains Yashtimadhu among other Pitta-pacifying herbs; useful for the acid reflux phase that often precedes frank ulceration.

Standard dosing for ulcer protocols

Goal	Form	Dose	Anupana (vehicle)	Timing
Active gastric or duodenal ulcer	DGL chewable tablet	380–760 mg (1–2 tablets), chewed thoroughly	None, chew on empty stomach	20 minutes before each main meal, 3× daily
H. pylori-driven ulcer (adjunct to antibiotics)	DGL chewable tablet	500 mg, chewed	None	3× daily before meals, alongside prescribed triple therapy
Chronic Amlapitta precursor (no frank ulcer yet)	Yashtimadhu Churna	3g	Cold milk or ghee + warm water	Twice daily before meals, 4–6 week course
Long-term maintenance after healing	Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam or low-dose DGL	1 tsp Lehyam, or 250 mg DGL once daily	Warm water	Morning, empty stomach

Why DGL must be chewed, not swallowed

DGL works topically on the gastric mucosa as well as systemically. Saliva mixing during chewing activates the flavonoid release and allows the tablet to coat the upper GI tract on the way down. Swallowing whole tablets reduces efficacy substantially, the original cimetidine-comparator trials all used chewable forms. If you cannot chew (paediatric, post-surgical, or recovering from oral surgery), use Yashtimadhu Churna in cold milk instead.

Critical warnings, when not to use whole-root Licorice

Hypertension, glycyrrhizin in whole-root licorice causes pseudo-aldosteronism, raising blood pressure within 1–2 weeks of daily use. Use DGL only.
Edema, congestive heart failure, or known hypokalemia, same mechanism. DGL only.
On diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids, glycyrrhizin potentiates potassium loss and digoxin toxicity. DGL only, and disclose to your prescriber.
Late pregnancy, high-dose glycyrrhizin is associated with preterm labour and reduced placental 11β-HSD2 activity. Avoid whole-root licorice in third trimester; DGL is the safer choice if Yashtimadhu is needed.
Liver cirrhosis and severe renal disease, avoid whole-root licorice; DGL only under supervision.

Duration

For active gastric or duodenal ulcer, expect 4–8 weeks of three-times-daily DGL before pain and endoscopic appearance resolve. H. pylori eradication courses run 10–14 days for the antibiotics, with DGL continued through and for 4–6 weeks after to consolidate mucosal healing. Maintenance dosing (low-dose DGL or Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam) can continue for months without the cardiovascular concerns of whole-root licorice.

Frequently Asked Questions

DGL vs whole licorice, which should I take for an ulcer?

For active or recent peptic ulcers, take DGL, deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Glycyrrhizin, the constituent removed in DGL, is responsible for licorice's mucosal-healing reputation in lay literature but is also the cause of its hypertension, edema, and potassium-depletion side effects. The flavonoid fraction (glabridin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin) and the saponins responsible for mucus stimulation, PGE2 modulation, and H. pylori inhibition are all retained in DGL. You get the ulcer-healing action without the cardiovascular risk. Whole-root Yashtimadhu still has a place, for cough, throat infection, short-course Pitta pacification, but ulcer protocols, which run 4–8+ weeks at three-times-daily dosing, must use DGL.

How fast does Yashtimadhu work for ulcer pain?

Symptomatic relief from epigastric pain and the burning of acid reflux is often noticed within 2–7 days of starting DGL three times daily. Actual mucosal healing, closure of the ulcer crater on endoscopy, takes 4–8 weeks, comparable to cimetidine and somewhat slower than modern PPIs. The trade-off is that healing produced by Yashtimadhu is structural (rebuilt mucus-bicarbonate barrier, regenerated epithelium) rather than purely acid suppression, which is why relapse rates at 12 months are lower in DGL studies than in some H2-blocker comparators.

Can I take Yashtimadhu with PPIs or H2-blockers?

Yes, the actions are additive, not conflicting. PPIs and H2-blockers reduce acid; DGL rebuilds the mucosal barrier. Many gastroenterologists familiar with integrative practice will continue PPI for 4–8 weeks while DGL is added before meals; the PPI is then tapered while DGL continues. There are no documented pharmacokinetic interactions between DGL and omeprazole, esomeprazole, or famotidine.

What about blood pressure and edema risk?

This is the load-bearing safety question for licorice. Whole-root licorice taken daily for more than 1–2 weeks can cause significant blood pressure elevation, ankle swelling, and potassium loss in susceptible people, the mechanism is glycyrrhizin's inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, producing apparent mineralocorticoid excess. DGL avoids this entirely because glycyrrhizin is removed during processing. If you have hypertension, edema, heart failure, or are on diuretics, do not take whole-root licorice; DGL is the safer route. Check tablet labels, they should explicitly state "deglycyrrhizinated" or "glycyrrhizin removed."

Is Yashtimadhu safe in pregnancy?

Caution, particularly in late pregnancy. Whole-root licorice at high doses has been associated with preterm labour and altered cortisol exposure in the foetus via reduced placental 11β-HSD2 activity. Avoid whole-root Yashtimadhu in the third trimester. DGL, with glycyrrhizin removed, is generally regarded as safer, but data in pregnancy is limited; use only with obstetric supervision and for the shortest period needed.

Is it safe with H. pylori antibiotic eradication therapy?

Yes, and complementary. Standard triple therapy (a PPI plus two antibiotics, typically clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole) eradicates 70–85% of H. pylori infections; DGL added at 500 mg three times daily before meals through the 10–14 day antibiotic course has been reported to improve eradication rates and reduce post-antibiotic dyspepsia. Continue DGL for 4–6 weeks beyond the antibiotic course to consolidate mucosal healing. There are no known interactions with clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole.

Recommended: Start Yashtimadhu (DGL) for Ulcers

If you've decided Yashtimadhu is the right starting point for your ulcer protocol, here is the practical short-list of options. For any active gastric or duodenal ulcer, or any ulcer protocol running longer than 1–2 weeks, start with DGL chewable tablets, this is the form studied head-to-head against cimetidine and the form that avoids the blood-pressure and edema risks of whole-root licorice. Whole-root Yashtimadhu Churna and classical lehyams have a role in shorter Pitta-pacification courses and post-healing maintenance.

For active ulcer protocols (lead with DGL)

DGL chewable tablets, 380–760 mg, chewed thoroughly, 20 minutes before each main meal, three times daily. Look for "deglycyrrhizinated" or "glycyrrhizin removed < 2%" on the label.
Brands: Enzymatic Therapy DGL (the original clinical-trial formula), Solgar DGL, Now Foods DGL, Himalaya Yashtimadhu (where DGL-standardised), Dabur Yashtimadhu.

For chronic Amlapitta and post-healing maintenance

Yashtimadhu Churna, 3g twice daily in cold milk for 4–6 week courses. Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Baidyanath are reliable classical sources.
Yashti Madhuradi Lehyam, 1 tsp morning on empty stomach. Sweet electuary with Yashtimadhu as the lead drug; pleasant for long-term use.
Avipattikara Churna, for the acid reflux and heartburn phase that often precedes frank ulceration.

What to look for in a quality product

For DGL: explicit deglycyrrhizinated label and stated glycyrrhizin content (typically < 2%)
For whole root: single-origin Glycyrrhiza glabra (not Chinese G. uralensis unless specified)
Third-party heavy-metal testing, relevant for any imported Ayurvedic powder
Brands with classical formulation lineage: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Baidyanath, Dabur, Himalaya, Organic India

The ulcer triad, pair Yashtimadhu with

Shatavari, Pitta-Vata mucosal tonic, especially if anxiety or stress drives the ulcer.
Amla, antioxidant base, suitable for indefinite daily use as Pitta prevention.
Guduchi, immune modulation and anti-inflammatory cover where H. pylori is involved.

Pair with dietary support: cold milk and ghee as classical anupana, cooling foods (rice, mung dal, ripe sweet fruit, coconut water), avoid sour, fermented, fried, and spicy foods through the healing window. See the ulcers hub for the full protocol.

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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 Ulcers

⟶

Acacia Acacia concinna DC.

⟶

Alfalfa

⟶

Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)

⟶

Amla Emblica officinalis

⟶

Arjuna Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) W. & A.

Bakuchi Psoralea corylifolia

See all herbs for ulcers on the Ulcers 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

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

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

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.