A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Madhuyashti (Yashtimadhu / Licorice)
1. Botanical Reference & Nomenclature
Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae; Papilionaceae - Aparajita upakula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka: Jeevaniya (Group of rejuvenatives), Sandhaniya (Healers), Varnya (Complexion promoters), Kandughna (Antipruritics), Kanthya (Beneficial for throat), Shonitashapana (Blood purifiers), Chhardinigrahana (Anti-emetics), Snehopaga (Adjuvants to oleation therapy), Vamanopaga (Adjuvants to emesis), Asthapanopaga (Adjuvants to decoction enema)
Sushruta: Kakolyadi, Sarivadi, Anjanadi Ganas
Sanskrit Synonyms: Madhuka, Kleetaka, Yashtyahva, Yashtimadhu.
Regional Names:
Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu
Hindi: Mithilakadi
Marathi: Jeshthamadh
Gujarati: Jashtimadh
Bengali: Jeshthamadhu
English: Licorice, Liquorice, Sweetwood
Types:
Jalaja (Aquatic) and Sthalaja (Terrestrial)
Mishri, Arabic, and Turkey varieties (progressively less sweet).
Morphology: A perennial herb, 1-5 meters tall. The root is elongated, reddish-yellow or smoky in color, with a yellow, fibrous inner wood. Rootlets grow from the main root or stem. Leaves are compound, with 4-7 pairs of ovate leaflets. Flowers are crimson, borne on inflorescences. The fruit is a flat pod, about 2.5 cm long, containing 2-3 kidney-shaped seeds.
Part Used: Root.
Purification (Śodhana): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Preservation: Not mentioned in the provided text.
3. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Madhura (Sweet)
Guṇa (Quality) Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Vīrya (Potency) Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Karma: Primarily Vata-Pittahara (pacifies Vata and Pitta). Its Madhura Rasa, Snigdha and Guru Gunas pacify Vata. Its Madhura Rasa and Sheeta Veerya pacify Pitta. Due to its Guru and Madhura properties, it is Kaphakara (can increase Kapha) if used in excess.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): It is a primary herb for Amlapitta (acid reflux) and Parinamashula (peptic ulcer). Its Madhura and Snigdha properties provide a coating action (Pichchhila), heal ulcers, and facilitate the downward movement (Anulomana) of Pitta, making it effective for Chhardi (vomiting) and Vibandha (constipation). It is also used as an adjuvant in Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Basti (enema) therapies.
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its expectorant, demulcent, and strengthening properties make it highly beneficial in Kasa (cough), Shvasa (asthma), Svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), and Urahkshata (chest injury). It is a key herb in Rajayakshma (tuberculosis/wasting disease) for strengthening the respiratory tract.
Rasavaha / Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): It is a renowned Raktashodhaka (blood purifier) and Raktapittaghna (useful in bleeding disorders). It strengthens blood vessel walls and is used in Raktapitta (hemorrhagic conditions) and anemia. It alleviates Daha (burning sensation) throughout the body.
Mamsavaha Srotas (Muscle Tissue): It has a Brimhana (nourishing) effect, specifically on Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue), helping to alleviate Angamarda (body ache) and promoting Vranaropana (wound healing) in debilitated patients.
Shukravaha Srotas (Reproductive System): It is Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and promotes the formation of Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) and Ojas (vital essence), thereby improving vitality and complexion (Varnya).
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): It alleviates Pitta-related urinary disorders, such as Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria) and discoloration of urine (Mutravirajaniya).
Primary Actions: Jeevaniya (Rejuvenative), Vranaropana (Wound healing), Sandhaniya (Healing), Kanthya (Demulcent), Shonitashapana (Hemostatic), Varnya (Complexion-enhancing), Vrishya (Aphrodisiac), Dahashamana (Cooling).
Dosage (Mātrā): Powder: 1 - 4 grams.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Water, Milk, Ghee, Honey, Sugar.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Yashtyadi Churna, Lavangadi Churna, Yashtimadhvadya Taila, Karpuradi Churna.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Due to its Guru (heavy) and Madhura (sweet) properties, it should be used with caution in conditions of excessive Kapha, severe obesity, and edema. Long-term, high-dose use may lead to side effects like hypertension and hypokalemia (known from modern pharmacology, not mentioned in classical text).
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not mentioned in the provided text.
Chemical Composition: The primary active compound is Glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Other constituents include Isoliquiritine (causes yellow color), steroids, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, asparagine, resin, and volatile oil.
Research Notes:
Anti-arthritic: Among many screened drugs, Glycyrrhiza demonstrated the maximum anti-arthritic effect.
Ulcer Healing: Both glycyrrhizin and deglycyrrhizinated preparations have shown ulcer-healing activity and experimentally antagonize muscle spasms.