Licorice (has a safety note)
SanskritYashtimadhuBotanicalGlycyrrhiza glabraAlso calledLiquorice, Sweet root, Mulethi
A sweet, cooling, moistening root that Ayurveda uses to soothe the throat, comfort digestion and gently bring other herbs together.
* Safety note: Can raise blood pressure and lower potassium; read the cautions before use. Read the cautions
Yashtimadhu means "honey stick," and one chew of the dried root tells you why. It is sweet, a little woody, and leaves a soft, coating feeling in the mouth. That slippery quality is the heart of how Ayurveda sees licorice. It moistens what is dry and calms what is raw.
Licorice shows up in a huge number of classical formulas, often in small amounts. Teachers sometimes call it a harmonizer, the herb that helps a blend sit well together. On its own it is a favorite for a scratchy throat or a tired voice, especially once the weather turns dry and cold.
It is also an herb that asks for respect. Real licorice root is strong medicine, and it is not meant to be sipped every day for months without guidance.
Ayurvedic Properties
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Cooling
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Sweet
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Heavy, can dampen agni
Sweet and heavy, it can slow digestion if taken often or in large amounts.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: increases in excess
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Sweet, cool and moist, licorice settles dry vata and hot pitta. Its heaviness can add to kapha, though in small amounts it is also used to loosen and move kapha in the chest.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support a soothed, comfortable throat and a clear speaking voice.
- Traditionally used to support clear, easy breathing during dry and chilly seasons.
- Traditionally used to support the natural moisture of the stomach lining and comfortable digestion.
- Traditionally used to support strength and renewal as a gentle rasayana.
- Traditionally used to support the balance of a formula, helping other herbs work together.
How People Use It
- TeaSimmer about 1 teaspoon of the cut root in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. It turns golden and naturally sweet, so it needs no honey.
- PowderA pinch to 1/4 teaspoon of powder can be stirred into warm water or a spoon of honey and left to sit on the tongue before swallowing.
- MilkA small pinch simmered in warm milk with a little ginger makes a soft, comforting evening drink when the throat feels dry.
Licorice and Ginger Throat Tea
A warm, honey-colored cup for dry, scratchy days.
- 1 teaspoon cut licorice root
- 2 thin slices fresh ginger
- 1 pinch fennel seeds
- 2 cups water
- Add everything to a small pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Keep it on low heat, lid on, for about 10 minutes.
- Strain into a mug and sip slowly while it is warm.
- Enjoy it for a few days when you need it, rather than as an everyday drink.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Avoid licorice root during pregnancy. Little is known about its safety while breastfeeding, so skip it then too unless your doctor approves.
- Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure, lower potassium and cause fluid retention. In large amounts or with long-term use it has been linked to irregular heartbeat and other serious heart problems.
- Even small amounts can be risky if you have high blood pressure, a heart or kidney condition, low potassium, or eat a lot of salt. Please avoid it in these cases unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Licorice may interact with some medications, including corticosteroids, diuretics (water pills), blood pressure medicines and heart medicines such as digoxin.
- Regular, long-term use is not advised without guidance. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a different product with different safety considerations.
- Please talk with a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using licorice, especially if you take any medication.
In Our Shop
Organic Licorice Root, from $6.50. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Licorice →- Licorice Powder (Organic) from $17.99
From the Journal
Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.