Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra · Family: Fabaceae · Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu (यष्टिमधु) — “Sweet Stick” · Primary texts: Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Bhavaprakasha
Yashtimadhu (Licorice) is one of the most versatile and widely used herbs in classical Ayurveda, appearing in more compound formulations than almost any other single herb. Its name literally means “sweet stick” (Yashti = stick, Madhu = sweet), referring to the intensely sweet root. Charaka classifies it in an extraordinary number of Mahakashaya groups — including Jeevaniya (life-giving), Varnya (complexion-enhancing), Kanthya (throat-soothing), Kandughna (itch-relieving), Sandhaniya (union-promoting), and Shukrala (reproductive tonic) — reflecting its remarkably broad therapeutic profile.
Classical Properties (Dravyaguna)
Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
Guna: Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)
Prabhava: Chakshushya (eye-supporting), Medhya, Vrishya
Dosha action: Pacifies Vata and Pitta. May increase Kapha in excess due to sweet taste, heavy and unctuous qualities.
Classical References
Charaka Samhita: Listed in ten or more Mahakashaya groups — one of the most multiply-classified herbs in the entire text. Including: Jeevaniya, Varnya, Kanthya, Kandughna, Sandhaniya, Shukrala, Snehopaga, Vamanopaga, Asthapanopaga.
Sushruta Samhita: Described in Kakolyadi Gana and Sarivadi Gana. Used in surgical practice for wound healing and tissue regeneration support.
Bhavaprakasha: Described in Haritakyadi Varga. States: “Yashtimadhu is sweet, cooling, heavy, and supports vision, voice, complexion, hair, and vitality.”
Botanical Description
Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial leguminous herb growing 1–2 metres tall. The root system — the medicinal part — consists of a taproot with extensive lateral runners, yellow externally and sweet-tasting internally. Leaves are compound with 9–17 leaflets. Pale blue to violet flowers appear in axillary spikes. Native to southern Europe and western Asia, it has been cultivated since antiquity. In India, it grows primarily in the northern regions including Jammu & Kashmir and parts of the Himalayas.
Traditional Uses
Kanthya: The primary throat-soothing herb — used in formulations for voice support and throat comfort.
Jeevaniya: Life-supporting and vitality-enhancing — one of the ten Jeevaniya herbs described by Charaka.
Varnya: Complexion-enhancing — used in classical beauty formulations and Ubtan preparations.
Chakshushya: Eye health support — used in eye-care formulations.
Shukrala: Traditional reproductive health support — nourishes Shukra Dhatu.
Sandhaniya: Promotes union/healing of tissues — used in wound and bone healing support formulations.
Classical Preparations
Yashtimadhu Churnam: Simple root powder — used alone or in combinations for throat, digestive, and respiratory support.
Yashtimadhu Ghritam: Licorice processed in ghee — described for digestive and ulcer support.
Eladi Vati: Classical throat lozenge containing Yashtimadhu.
Yashtimadhu Thailam: Oil preparation for external application — skin and wound support.
Part Used and Dosage
Part used: Root, stolon
Churnam: 3–6 grams
Kashayam: 40–80 ml
Long-term high-dose use requires practitioner supervision due to potential mineralocorticoid effects.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Yashtimadhu / Licorice
What is Yashtimadhu / Licorice in Ayurveda?
Yashtimadhu / Licorice is a classical concept in Ayurvedic tradition. Refer to the article above for detailed information about its properties, uses, and significance in traditional Ayurvedic practice.
How is Yashtimadhu / Licorice traditionally used?
In classical Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu / Licorice is traditionally used as part of holistic wellness practices. The specific applications are described in texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam.
Where can I find authentic Yashtimadhu / Licorice products?
Art of Vedas offers a range of authentic Ayurvedic products prepared according to classical methods. Browse the Art of Vedas collection for traditionally crafted preparations.