Licorice (Yashtimadhu)

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (Taste)

Madhura (Sweet)

Virya (Energy) & Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect)

Virya: Sheeta (Cooling) | Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)

Dosha Effect

Vata: Strongly Reduces Pitta: Strongly Reduces Kapha: Mildly Increases

Taste Profile

Sweet

10/10

Bitter

1/10

Astringent

1/10

Botanical Description

Family

Fabaceae (Legume family)

Plant Type

Perennial herb, 1-1.5 meters tall, with deep taproot

Parts Used

Root and stolon (primary)

Habitat

Southern Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia. In India: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and sub-Himalayan regions

Origin & Discovery

First Documented

Charaka Samhita (~600 BCE)

Ancient Indian vocal traditions held that Saraswati, the goddess of speech and music, blessed the licorice plant with sweetness so that those who consumed it could speak with divine clarity.

Historical Timeline

~600 BCE

Charaka classifies it as a premier voice enhancer and throat healer

~350 BCE

Alexander the Great supplies it to troops crossing India

1946

Glycyrrhizin identified as the compound responsible for anti-ulcer effects

2008

Clinical study confirms significant cortisol-modulating effects

Classical Reference

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 3 — recommended as a premier throat healer and voice enhancer, and classified as Sandhaniya (tissue-uniting) by Sushruta.

Health Benefits of Licorice

Throat & Voice Health

Mucilaginous compounds coat and soothe inflamed throat tissue. The traditional go-to for singers, speakers, and anyone with voice strain or sore throat.

Respiratory Support

Expectorant and antitussive — helps clear mucus from airways while soothing bronchial irritation. Effective for chronic cough and asthma support.

Digestive Ulcer Healing

Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids promote gastric mucus production and inhibit H. pylori. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is used specifically for ulcer healing.

Adrenal Support

Inhibits cortisol breakdown, supporting adrenal function during chronic stress. Helps those with adrenal fatigue maintain energy.

Formula Harmonizer

Called "the peacemaker of formulas" — it smooths harsh effects of other herbs and improves the taste and balance of polyherbal compounds.

Key Compounds & Phytochemistry

Glycyrrhizin

Triterpenoid saponin 50x sweeter than sugar — anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cortisol-modulating

Glabridin

Isoflavone with skin-lightening, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits

Liquiritigenin

Flavonoid with estrogenic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects

Glycyrrhizic Acid

Anti-ulcer compound that promotes gastric mucus production

Nutritional Highlights

Rich in glycyrrhizin and flavonoids
Contains isoflavones (glabridin)
Source of coumarins and chalcones
Phytosterols and triterpenoids

Traditional Preparations

A small piece of licorice stick was slowly chewed throughout the day for sore throat, or the powder was mixed with honey and ghee as a voice-enhancing paste for Vedic chanters.

Yashtimadhu Churna with Honey

Method: Root powder mixed with raw honey into a paste

Used for: Sore throat, cough, voice strain

Yashtimadhu Ghrita

Method: Root processed in clarified butter with milk

Used for: Gastric ulcers, hyperacidity, general rejuvenation

Licorice Stick Chewing

Method: Small piece of dried root slowly chewed and sucked

Used for: Oral health, throat soothing, breath freshening

Dosage Guidelines

Form	Amount	Timing
Root Powder	1-3 grams	Twice daily with honey or warm water
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated)	380-760 mg	20 minutes before meals for gastric support
Root Stick	1 small piece	Chew as needed for throat relief

Contraindications

Hypertension (glycyrrhizin may raise blood pressure)
Edema or fluid retention
Pregnancy
Prolonged high-dose use (limit to 6 weeks without supervision)
Hypokalemia

Drug Interactions

Blood pressure medications (may counteract)
Diuretics (may worsen potassium loss)
Corticosteroids (additive effects)
Digoxin (may increase toxicity via potassium depletion)

Did You Know?

Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar, yet has a low glycemic index.
It appears in more classical Ayurvedic compounds than almost any other herb — the ultimate harmonizer.
Alexander the Great carried licorice root to quench soldiers' thirst during long marches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can licorice raise blood pressure?

Yes, whole licorice root containing glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure with prolonged high-dose use. For those with hypertension, use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which has the glycyrrhizin removed. Short-term use of whole licorice in moderate doses is generally safe.

Is licorice safe for daily use?

In Ayurvedic doses (1-3g), licorice is safe for daily use for up to 6 weeks. For longer use, take breaks (6 weeks on, 2 weeks off) or use DGL form. Monitor blood pressure if using whole licorice regularly.

Why is licorice added to so many Ayurvedic formulas?

Licorice is the "harmonizer" of Ayurvedic pharmacy. It balances harsh effects of bitter and pungent herbs, improves palatability, enhances bioavailability of other compounds, and adds its own healing properties. It is the most frequently used adjunct herb in classical formulations.