Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
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, 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).
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,.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Licorice possesses the following properties:
Licorice is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
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).
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Radix Glycyrrhizae
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506090
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) – Liquorice Root
https://escop.com
Commission E Monographs – Licorice Root
https://www.herbal-ahp.org
PubMed – Glycyrrhiza glabra Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Glycyrrhiza+glabra
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Licorice
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Licorice Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **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,.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
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Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
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, 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).
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,.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Licorice possesses the following properties:
Licorice is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
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).
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Radix Glycyrrhizae
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506090
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) – Liquorice Root
https://escop.com
Commission E Monographs – Licorice Root
https://www.herbal-ahp.org
PubMed – Glycyrrhiza glabra Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Glycyrrhiza+glabra
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Licorice
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Licorice Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **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,.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem