Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), known as “Yashtimadhu” or “Madhuka,” is highly valued for its sweet taste and wide range of therapeutic properties. Licorice is renowned for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating effects. It is also referred to as the “sweet root” because of its taste. Licorice is popularly known for its action as a demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenator.
Botanical Description
Licorice is a perennial herb and grows in southern Europe and southeast to Asia, and Mediterranean countries.
Taste and Energetics
During the course of this discussion, you’ll note that licorice has a sweet taste with cooling energy. Its post-digestive effect is also sweet. It has balancing energy for the Vata and Pitta doshas and it respects the Kapha dosha. Its effect is opposite its comparative
Medicinal Properties and Uses
Soothing and Demulcent: Licorice is highly effective in soothing mucous membranes. It is immensely used to cure cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and asthma. It helps to reduce irritation and inflammation in the respiratory pathway.
Digestive Health: It is during this effect that it plays a role in digestion because it soothes the lining of the stomach and decreases acidity. It can be used against heartburn, peptic ulcers, and indigestion.
Adrenal Support: Licorice is used to support the function of the adrenal glands in a way that it optimally manages stress. It is generally used against fatigue in addition to supporting systemic vitality and energy.
Immune support: Licorice is immunomodulating in properties, and it boosts the immune system and enhances the natural defense mechanisms of the body.
Skin health: It is one of the many ways that this herb treats eczema, psoriasis, in general dermatitis, and many others. It lowers inflammation, itching, and redness.
Reproductive health: For females, licorice helps manage menstrual disorders and ensures better hormonal balance.
Rejuvenation (Rasayana): Rasayana in licorice or glycyrrhiza rejuvenates the overall vigor, vitality of an individual, increases lifespan, and produces strength.
Ayurvedic Formulations
Licorice is used in various Ayurvedic formulations, including churnas (powders), capsules, tablets, teas, and decoctions. It is often combined with other herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects. Common formulations include:
Yashtimadhu Churna: A powdered form of licorice used for respiratory and digestive health.
Yashtimadhu Ghritham: Clarified butter infused with licorice used for respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
Yashtimadhu Tablets/Capsules: Standardized extracts of licorice used for a variety of health benefits.
Traditional Uses
In Ayurveda, licorice is indicated for a raft of other conditions, such as general emaciation, low vitality, as a longevity aid, and for the heart: it is even prescribed under rasayana to support general well-being.
Safety Considerations
Licorice is safe when taken at recommended doses. Doses over the recommended amount can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, water retention, and potassium imbalance. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with underlying medical conditions, particularly hypertension, should consult their health provider before use. Above all, Licorice is highly revered in the science of Ayurveda for its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties. This herb is of a sweet and cooling nature, which in Ayurveda would mean balancing the aggravating Vata and Pitta doshas. Appropriate application of Licorice, apparently, can turn into really effective means of prophylaxis for receiving a respiratory and digestive health balance, reduction of inflammations, and improvement of the overall well-being in light of Ayurveda concepts.
