Ecolabs: July 2016

Amalaki - The legendary fruit

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Yashtimadhu - Licorice and its benefits according to Ayurveda

Liquorice (Yastimadhu) is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in India and also in abroad.

Licorice benefits are known to Indians since thousands of years. Its Sanskrit name is Yashtimadhu. It is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs. In almost every Indian household, you might find this herb chewed, whenever someone’s voice has gone down.

Action on Dosha: Vata-Pittahara (Pacifies the aggravated / morbid Vata and Pitta). Being heavy and unctuous and possessing Sweet taste and post-digestion effect, which are antagonistic to Vata, Yashtimadhu pacifies (controls) Similarly Yashtimadhu pacifies the aggravated Pitta due to its Sweet taste and post-digestion effect and also cold potency.

Licorice benefits:

Good for eye and eyesight / vision
Provides good strength and immunity
Enhances colour and complexion
Good aphrodisiac, increases the quantity and quality of semen
Good hair tonic
Excellent remedy for throat disorders, good for improving voice
Heals ulcers, wounds and swelling / inflammation associated with wounds
It neutralizes the bad effects of poisons and toxins. In Chinese medicine they used to administer it for treating food poisoning and its ill-effects
Anti-emetic
Relieves thirst
Relieves tiredness / exhaustion, provides energy
Useful in relieving wasting disorders, degenerative diseases
Good expectorant, expels phlegm from lungs, heals respiratory diseases
Good for heart health, prevents damage from LDL cholesterol (Bad fat), Discourages clogging plaque formation which can damage heart
Enhances immunity by boosting levels of interferon which is the key chemical of the immune system that fights off viruses (Research)
Phyto-estrogens in Liquorice is said to have mild esterogenic effect and eases symptoms of Pre-menstrual syndrome like irritability, bloating, breast tenderness etc (Research)
Has anti-allergic property and highly beneficial in allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma (Research)
Externally it has been effectively used in eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis
Mild laxative
It has powerful antioxidants, phytoestrogens which are helpful during menopause (Research)
It has antidepressant compounds and helps in warding off depression
Good Brain Tonic
Blood-purifier, Increases quality and quantity of blood, useful in bleeding disorder
Relieves cough, chest congestion, sore-throat
Anti-pyretic
Relieves dysuria
Promotes longevity of life
Promotes fracture healing

Liquorice is used for the purpose of anti aging therapy since ancient times.
Chakshushya – Good for eyes,
Balakrut – Improves strength and immunity
Varnakrut – improves skin complexion
Shukrala – increases sperm count and semen quality
Keshya – good for hair. Improves hair quality. Hence it is used in many herbal hair oils.
Svarya – improves voice quality

Licorice for voice improvement:Small licorice sticks of 2 – 3 cm length are chewed and the juice is swallowed slowly to relieve hoarseness of voice. Even singers use this for the purpose of improving singing voice.Half a teaspoon of licorice is swallowed mixed with ghee or honey, for the same purpose.
Pittanilajit – Balances Vata and Pitta
Asrajit – detoxifies blood
Vranashothajit – useful in wound and inflammation
Vishahara – useful in poisoning
Chardihara – in small quantities, it relieves vomiting.
Trushnahara – relieves excessive thirst
Kshayahara – relieves emaciation and tiredness.

Licorice and high blood pressure:
A very high dose of 30 grams per day of licorice, for many weeks may cause increase in blood pressure. But usually, as per Ayurveda, its daily dose is note more than 3 grams per day.

Licorice for anti aging treatment:As per Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 1.3, regular intake of 2 grams of licorice powder, along with half a cup of warm milk is explained as an excellent brain tonic and rejuvenator – Medhya Rasayana.

Ayurvedic medicines with Glycyrrhiza glabra ingredient –
yashtimadhu Phanta – a water infusion of licorice is used in Vamana Panchakarma procedure.
Ghee prepared with licorice – yashtimadhu Ghrita is used extensively in treating peptic ulcers and gastritis.
Yashtimadhu oil – is used for nasya therapy (nasal instillation) and hair application to prevent baldness, greying and to reduce hair fall.

Because of its skin glow enhancing quality, it is an ingredient of the famous Kumkumadi Tailam

Licorice side effects:
Licorice during pregnancy There are many reports suggesting that licorice taken during pregnancy may cause lower IQ in the child. It is also reported that licorice may cause preterm labour. Hence it is not advised to consume during pregnancy.
It is usually not prescribed in a patient with high BP and low potassium levels.

Liquorice in excessive dosage causes nausea and vomiting, increases Blood Pressure. It has variable degrees of intolerance and hence should not be used without medical advice or supervision.

Should be taken with caution by

Women on birth control pills
Patients with Blood Pressure
Pregnant women
Nursing mothers

External application:Paste prepared with licorice along with Tagara, dill seeds, Kushta and sandalwood and ghee is used to apply externally to relieve headache, shoulder and back pain. Reference: Charaka Samhita Rajayakshma Chikitsa.

At Ecolabs, a new Hair-gel "Keshya" is being made available which contains Yashtimadhu. You can check it out here: