Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
Licorice root is a perennial herb native to parts of Europe and Asia. It has a deep taproot and produces compound leaves with oval leaflets. The plant bears small, pale blue to violet flowers in spikes, followed by pods containing seeds. The root and rhizome are the parts…
Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra. Also known as: Licorice Root, Sweet Root, Mulethi, Licorice, Yashtimadhu, Madhuka, Atirasa), Liquorice, Sweetwood, Madhuyashti, Yashtyahva, Madhuli, Madhurasaa, Mulhatti, Jethi-madh, Muleti, Atimadhuram, Yashtimadhuka, Irattimadhuram, Jethimadh, Yashti madhuka, Josthimadhu, Jeshthamadh, Asl-us-soos, Aslussus, Asl-us-sus.
Properties
Cooling, soothing, demulcent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, adaptogenic, emollient, tonic.
Dosage
1-6 grams per day for dried root; 1-2 ml of tincture (1:1 in 45% alcohol) three times a day.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet, Bitter
- Virya: Cooling
- Vipaka: Sweet
Benefits
- Soothes sore throats and coughs
- Supports adrenal function
- Aids in digestive health
- Promotes skin healing
- Acts as an expectorant
Traditional uses
- Treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and asthma
- Relief from heartburn and indigestion
- Management of stress and adrenal fatigue
- Wound healing and skin conditions
- Soothing of sore throats and mouth ulcers
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped licorice root in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink.
- Infusion: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped licorice root in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink.
- Tincture: Take 1-2 ml of a 1:1 tincture in 45% alcohol, three times daily.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
Side effects
- Edema (fluid retention)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Interactions
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
- Digoxin
- Oral contraceptives
- Blood pressure medications
Clinical evidence
Licorice root has a long history of use in traditional medicine for respiratory, digestive, and adrenal support. Modern research supports its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and demulcent properties, particularly for gastrointestinal issues and respiratory conditions. However, long-term or high-dose use can lead to significant side effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Rasayana (rejuvenator)
- Vayasthapana (anti-aging)
- Shvasahara (relieves asthma)
- Kasa hara (relieves cough)
- Pittashamaka (pacifies Pitta)
- Vatashamaka (pacifies Vata)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Balya (strengthens)
- Medhya (improves intellect)
- Stanyajanana (promotes lactation)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
Classical clinical indications
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Asthma
- Gastric ulcers
- Heartburn
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Skin disorders
- Stress
Frequently asked questions
What is Licorice Root?
Licorice root is a perennial herb native to parts of Europe and Asia. It has a deep taproot and produces compound leaves with oval leaflets. The plant bears small, pale blue to violet flowers in spikes, followed by pods containing seeds. The root and rhizome are the parts…
What are the benefits of Licorice Root?
Soothes sore throats and coughs. Supports adrenal function. Aids in digestive health
How is Licorice Root used in Ayurveda?
Decoction: Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped licorice root in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink.