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Ayurveda Herb Liquorice
In Ayurveda, the roots of yashtimadhu are used for preparing medicines. Yashtimadhu, as the name suggests, has a sweet taste as well as after taste. Ayurveda counsels it to be supportive in treating the ailments relating to vata and pitta doshas imbalance. The nature of the herb is heavy, slimy and cold in action. It therefore helps to balance the aggravated vata or the air body humor, as well as the increased pitta or the heat in the body.
Yashtimadhu is beneficial in hyperacidity, habitual constipation, abdominal pain, bronchitis, colds, cough, sore throat, muscle spasms, mouth and stomach ulcers and painful or burning urination. Moreover, it naturally supports the vital organs by improving the body’s immunity and endurance. It is believed to be good for the voice, eyes and hair too.
Yashtimadhu increases the stamina and fertility, and also finds use in the problems of excessive thirst, toxicity and nausea. As a medicine it is used for treating headaches, scabies, rickets, anaemia and urinary infections. It acts as an aphrodisiac and is assumed to keep away premature ageing.
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- Vranya – It is amicable for the skin, aids in relieving skin maladies like itching and burning sensation, and also tends to provide natural glow to the skin.
- Keshya – Good for the hair, helps prevents hair fall and provides natural lustre and bounce to the hair.
- Shukravardhaka – Yashtimadhu is also a natural aphrodisiac.
- Chakshushaya – Eyesight promoting and relieves burning sensation in the eyes.
- Medhya – Aids in improving mental powers and is included as a brain-tonic herb.
- Rasayana – Rejuvenating and revitalising herb.
- Vednahara – The herb is a potent pain-killer.
- Swara – Improves tone of the voice and is soothing in case of throat pain.
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The prescribed dosage of yashtimadhu powder is 3 – 5 grams. The herb is available commercially in the form of dried roots which can be consumed by breaking the same in smaller fragments, or else crushing or pounding it into a powder. As an ayurvedic medicine, it is available in the form of medicinal formulations like Yashtimadhu churana, Yastiaadi churana, Yashtiaadi quath and Yashtimadhvaadi taila.
As a word of heed, there are some precautions that need to be followed. And more importantly, overuse of yashtimadhu, both in terms of frequency and dosage, can be dangerous. The herb contains a natural component called glycyrrnizin in the form of glycyrrizic acid. This is believed to be 50 times sweeter than sugar. This makes regular intake of the herb rather addictive [especially in case you are sweet toothed].
Also, when taken in large amounts for a prolonged period, the herb might affect electrolyte balance in the body. Cases of water retention and high blood pressure have been noticed and therefore yashtimadhu must be taken with care especially if you’re suffering from hypertension or some kidney ailments.
This was first published in the December 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing
About the Author
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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