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Licorice

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Licorice

Introductory summary

Licorice known as Yastimadhu or Madhuka in Ayurveda consists of the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. It possesses a Sweet taste with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Sweet post digestive effect and Cold potency it effectively pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas. It is revered as a Rasayana or rejuvenator and is specifically classified as Kanthya beneficial for the throat and Caksusya good for the eyes. Therapeutically it acts as Raktaprasadana soothing the blood and Sandhaniya promoting the healing of ulcers and fractures. It is indicated for respiratory disorders like cough and asthma hoarseness of voice gout and general debility. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 2 to 4 grams of the root powder.

Licorice

Licorice, known in Ayurveda as Yaṣṭī or Yaṣṭimadhu, consists of the dried, unpeeled roots and stolons of Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurvedic formulations, valued for its naturally sweet taste—reported to be 50 times sweeter than sugar. It is revered as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) that promotes longevity, strength, and good complexion. It is specifically classified as Kaṇṭhya (beneficial for the throat) and Cakṣuṣya (beneficial for the eyes).

1. Name of the Herb

  • Common Name: Licorice root, Liquorice, Sweet wood.
  • Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn..
  • Sanskrit Names: Yaṣṭī, Yaṣṭimadhu, Madhuka, Madhuyaṣṭī, Yaṣṭyāhva.
  • Regional Names: Mulethi (Hindi/Urdu), Jesthamadh (Marathi), Yashtimadhu (Bengali), Atimadhuram (Telugu/Tamil/Malayalam).

2. Brief Description

The plant is a tall perennial herb, growing up to 2 meters high, found cultivated in Europe, Persia, Afghanistan, and to a lesser extent in India. The medicinal part is the root/stolon, which is yellowish-brown externally and yellowish internally. It is described as a Sandhānīya herb (promotes the union of fractured or divided body tissues) and is a key ingredient in treatments for voice disorders, hair loss, and vision problems,.

3. Source / Part Used

  • Plant Source: Herbal / Plant-based.
  • Part Used: Root and Stolon (Dried, unpeeled).

4. Ayurvedic Properties

According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Licorice possesses the following properties:

  • Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet).
  • Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy) and Snigdha (Unctuous/Oily).
  • Virya (Potency): Śīta (Cold).
  • Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet).
  • Dosha Effect: Vātapittajit (Pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas). It balances the dry and hot qualities of Vata and Pitta with its unctuous and cold nature.

5. Key Benefits

  • Voice & Throat Health: It is Kaṇṭhya and Svaraya, improving voice quality and treating hoarseness,.
  • Promotes Healing: Acts as Sandhānīya (union-promoting) and Vraṇaropaṇa (wound healing), useful for ulcers and internal injuries,.
  • Eye Tonic: Described as Cakṣuṣya, beneficial for strengthening vision.
  • Hair Tonic: It is Keśya, promoting hair growth and preventing graying.
  • Blood Purifier: Acts as Raktaprasādana, soothing the blood and stopping bleeding.
  • Reproductive Health: It is Vṛṣya (Aphrodisiac) and increases Śukra (semen).

6. Uses / Indications

Licorice is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

7. How It Works

  • Demulcent & Expectorant: Its Snigdha (oily) and Madhura (sweet) properties soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, while liquefying thick Kapha (mucus) to make it easier to expel,.
  • Cooling Action: Its Śīta (Cold) potency pacifies Pitta (heat), making it effective for burning sensation (Daha), acidity, and inflammation.
  • Tissue Regeneration: It promotes the healing of tissues (Sandhaniya) and improves the quality of blood (Raktaprasadana), aiding in the recovery of ulcers and wounds,.
  • Chemical Constituents: Contains Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, asparagine, sugars, and resin.

8. Dosage

The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:

  • Powder (Churna): 2 to 4 grams.

9. Safety Information

Licorice is generally considered safe and is a standard ingredient in many formulations for children and adults. It is described as Balya (promoting strength) and Jīvanīya (vitalizing).

10. Side Effects

  • No specific severe side effects are reported in the texts when taken in the recommended therapeutic dosage.
  • Due to its Guru (Heavy) and Madhura (Sweet) nature, excessive intake might increase Kapha (heaviness or congestion) in individuals who already have high Kapha.

11. Precautions

  • Edema/Water Retention: While not explicitly warned in the provided Sanskrit verses, modern integrative knowledge suggests caution in long-term high doses for patients with hypertension or edema (often linked to Kapha/Vata imbalance).
  • Pregnancy: Licorice is generally considered safe and is often used in Garbhasthāpana (pregnancy-maintaining) groups in Ayurveda, but consultation with a physician is always advised.

12. Storage Instructions

  • Store the dried root powder in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep in an air-tight container to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.

13. References


14. FAQs

** **Q. Can it be taken daily?

Yes, in small doses (e.g., 2g), it is considered a Rasayana (tonic) for eyes, hair, and voice.

 Q. When should it be taken?

It is often taken with warm milk or water, typically after meals or as needed for throat soothing.

 Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?

Yes. It is frequently prescribed with warm milk (Kshira) or warm water to enhance its tonic and soothing effects,.

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