Licorice (Yashtimadhu)
Yashtimadhu
A sweet, cooling, soothing herb for the throat, respiratory and digestive mucosa, and adrenal support; demulcent and Pitta/Vata pacifying.
reduces Vatareduces Pittaincreases Kapha
Media
Ayurvedic properties
- Rasa (taste): sweet
- Virya (energy): cooling
- Vipaka (post-digestive): sweet
- Guna (qualities): heavy, unctuous
Traditionally used for
- sore throat
- cough
- hyperacidity
- dryness
Contraindications & cautions
- hypertension
- edema
- hypokalemia
- pregnancy
- kidney disease
Possible interactions
- antihypertensives
- diuretics
- corticosteroids
- digoxin
Evidence notes
Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and lower potassium with prolonged/high use — an important, well-documented interaction (spec §3.3).
Regulatory notes
Restricted or cautioned for hypertensive individuals in several guidelines.
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita — Chikitsasthana 1.3 — Medhya rasayana
- Bhavaprakasha — Nighantu — Haritakyadi varga
Educational information about Ayurveda — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.