Satyori — Licorice (Yashtimadhu) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Licorice
Yashtimadhu · Glycyrrhiza glabra
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita prescribes Yashtimadhu for an extraordinary range of conditions, reflecting its versatility as both a primary therapeutic agent and a harmonizing addition to compound formulations. Primary indications include Kasa (cough), Shvasa (asthma and respiratory conditions), Svarabheda (hoarseness), and all conditions involving inflammation of the respiratory tract. Charaka specifically notes its Kanthya (throat-soothing) and Svarya (voice-improving) properties, making it the herb of first resort for vocal strain and upper respiratory irritation.
Preparations
Churna (powder): 3-6g with warm milk or honey. Yashtimadhu Ghrita (medicated ghee): 5-10ml for cognitive and digestive support. Kashaya (decoction): 50-100ml for respiratory and digestive conditions.
Dosage
Powder: 3-6g per day in divided doses. Decoction: 50-100ml twice daily.
Dosha Guidance
Licorice is ideally suited for Pitta types, whose tendency toward inflammation, acidity, and tissue irritation finds a perfect antidote in this cooling, soothing, nourishing herb. Pitta individuals can use it freely for digestive, respiratory, and nervous system support, taking it with milk or ghee for enhanced nourishing effects. It is particularly valuable for Pitta types who experience vocal strain, heartburn, or stress-related digestive complaints.
Synergistic Combinations
One of the most commonly used harmonizing ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations. Combined with Sitopaladi Churna for respiratory conditions.
Contraindications
Excessive or prolonged use of glycyrrhizin-containing Licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism, characterized by sodium retention, potassium loss, edema, hypertension, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia. Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, and hypokalemia. Contraindicated alongside potassium-depleting diuretics, cardiac glycosides (digoxin), and corticosteroid medications.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa dhatu (plasma/lymph), Rakta dhatu (blood), Mamsa dhatu (muscle), Shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue), Majja dhatu (nerve tissue)
Srotas: Anna vaha srotas (digestive channel), Prana vaha srotas (respiratory channel), Rakta vaha srotas (blood channel), Shukra vaha srotas (reproductive channel)
Where to Buy
Look for root pieces or slices that are fibrous, yellowish-brown externally and pale yellow internally, with a distinctly sweet taste that intensifies with chewing. The sweetness should be clean and pleasant, not musty or flat.
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Herbal Profile
Licorice is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.