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.

As per ayurveda classical book formulation of Trikatu is known for balancing excess Vata (air) and Kapha (water) in the body. The herbs used in Trikatu support respiratory system during weather changes for a healthy throat. Its warming properties can alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments by reducing mucus and supporting clear breathing. Trikatu is known for its ability to boost overall vitality and strengthen the immune system, making it a valuable remedy for maintaining health during seasonal changes and times of stress. Additionally, this powerful combination is particularly effective in stimulating digestion, enhancing metabolism, and promoting the absorption of nutrients.

Following are the 3 Ayurvedic herbs that are combination of Trikatu classical formulation

Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) Fruit – It is used to enhance digestion, boost metabolism, and improve the bioavailability of other herbs. It helps in alleviating respiratory issues and expelling mucus. Additionally, it stimulates appetite and supports overall gastrointestinal health.

Pippali (Piper Longum) Fruit – It is used to enhance digestive fire, promote healthy metabolism, and alleviate respiratory issues by reducing mucus and congestion. It synergizes with the other ingredients to boost the bioavailability and efficacy of the formulation. Additionally, Pippali aids in detoxification and supports overall digestive health.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Rhizome – It helps in alleviating nausea, colds, and coughs by promoting the expulsion of mucus. Additionally, ginger improves the bioavailability of other herbs in the formulation, enhancing their therapeutic effects.

These herbs are added in equal ratio as per classical reference. Trikatu literally means “Three Pungents” as it contains the herbs “Ginger”, “Kali Mirch” and “Pippali”. It naturally helps to support Kapha (Water), Dosha (Humour) but may increase the Pitta (Fire) dosha. These three herbs helps to support digestive fire also.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

• Nutritional diet, Morning walk, Yoga, Peaceful mind, Restful sleep.

Foods to Favor

• Vegetables [beetroot, bottle gourd, bitter melon, cucumber, ginger, parmal]
• Fruits [pomegranate, grapes, apple, papaya, peach, pear]
• Fresh diet
• Lemon
• Avocado
• Cod liver oil
• Oats
• Yogurt
• Blueberries
• Green lentils
• Yellow lentils

Foods to Avoid

• Milk
• Dairy products
• Heavy food that takes too much time for digestion.
• Fried or oily food that obstructs srotas [channels] of the body.
• Food that is hot in nature
• Spicy food
• Food rich in sour taste

Do’s

• Drink lemon water daily.
• Drink plenty of lukewarm water.
• Take honey or ghee [butter] with this product.

Don’ts

• Avoid unnecessary stress, tensions and anger.
• Avoid suppression of natural urges.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Ayurveda with healthy lifestyle and with several natural herbs helps to balance all the three Doshas (Humours) and helps to support healthy respitory system. These herbs helps to support the healthy functioning of lungs and to keep the airways clear supporting deep and healthy breathing.

Following are the 11 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for healthy respiratory system.

Vasaka (Adhatoda vasika) Leaves – Its leaves are used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough by acting as an expectorant and helping to clear mucus. They possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and fighting infections. Additionally, Vasaka leaves support overall lung health and improve breathing.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Leaves – Its leaves boost immunity and help fight infections due to their antimicrobial and antiviral properties. They aid in relieving respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis by acting as an expectorant. Additionally, Tulsi leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting overall health and well-being.

Mulethi (Glycrrhiza glabra) Root – It is commonly used to soothe sore throats and relieve coughs due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. It supports digestive health by alleviating symptoms of indigestion and stomach ulcers. Additionally, Mulethi root boosts the immune system and provides relief from respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma.

Pippali (Piper longum) Fruit – It enhances digestion and stimulates appetite, helping to alleviate digestive disorders. It possesses anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, making it effective in treating respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and cough. Additionally, Pipli supports metabolism and may aid in weight management and fat reduction.

Vibhitaki (Terminalia belirica) Fruit – It supports digestive health by alleviating constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating respiratory conditions and infections. Additionally, Vibhitaki aids in weight management and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Laung (Myrtus caryophyllus) Bud – It aids digestion by reducing bloating, gas, and nausea. Additionally, clove supports respiratory health by alleviating coughs and colds due to its expectorant properties.

Aparmarg (Achyranthes aspera) Plant – It supports respiratory health by alleviating symptoms of coughs, colds, and asthma due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Haldi (Curcuma longa) Rhizome – It helps in managing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds by improving lung function and reducing mucus buildup. Additionally, turmeric’s antimicrobial properties help fight respiratory infections.

Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) Root – It supports respiratory health by alleviating symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, Rasna root aids in digestion and helps reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Bharangi (Clerodenron serratum) Bark – Its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, making it effective in treating respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It helps clear mucus and soothe the respiratory tract. Additionally, Bharangi bark supports digestive health and relieves gastrointestinal issues.

Kantkari (Solanum indicum)Plant – It helps to clear mucus from the airways and soothes throat irritation. Additionally, Kantkari aids digestive health by relieving symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

These herbs provide assistance for lung health and the immune system, suitable for use during shifts in weather, exposure to environmental pollutants, and protection against airborne pathogens. They also alleviate chest congestion, coughs, colds, asthma attacks, excessive nasal discharge, and bronchitis symptoms.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

• Nutritional diet, Morning walk, Yoga, Peaceful mind, Restful sleep.

Foods to Favor

• Wheat
• Unpolished rice
• Barley
• Honey
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Amla
• Grapes
• Cardamom
• Lukewarm water
• Goat milk
• Food rich in bitter and pungent taste.
• Oatmeal
• Ginger
• Soup of black grams.

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid Chilled Water
• Cold drinks
• Seafood (Meat)
• Heavy and Fried Food
• Smoke and Dust
• Avoid allergy-producing products.
• Acidic and sour food
• Heavy-duty work should be avoided.
• Avoid bananas, cookies, sweets, pastries, pickles and yeast.

Do’s

• Drink lukewarm water.
• Wash your clothes in hot water.
• Try to cover your mouth and nose when you are going outside.
• Try for fresh prepared food.

Don’ts

• Avoid using perfumes and room fresheners.
• Avoid doing the heavy duty work.
• Avoid allergy producing products like pickles, chutney, heavy meals and sour spices.
• Try to keep away from infected common cold people.