Iahas-Licorice Root-Yashtimadhu

Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)

Herbs, Spices
11

Licorice root Scientific Name

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice root Other Names

English: Spanish Juice, Black Sugar, Liquorice
Hindi: Mulethi, Mulaithi, Mulhathi, Yashtimadhu, Jetimadh
Marathi: Jeshtimadh
French: Réglisse
German: Süßholz, Lakritze
Spanish: Orozuz, Regaliz
Sanskrit: Madhuuka, Yashtimadhu

What is Licorice root?

Licorice root is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies and is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia and Middle east. The active ingredient in Licorice is glycyrrhizin or “glycyrrhizin acid”. Licorice roots has been used for a long time to treat various ailments and flavoring in candies, beverages, food, tobacco products and medicines.
In Ayurveda, Licorice roots are a recommended treatment for eczema, swelling of the liver, mouth sores and many other conditions.

Common forms of Licorice root

Tea, Liquid, Powder, Capsules, Candy

Licorice root is commonly used for:

  • Removing dental plaque
  • Influenza
  • Treating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
  • Curative Cold Sores
  • Nightmares
  • Catarrh
  • Curing hepatitis
  • Cough
  • Treating high cholesterol
  • Lowering high potassium levels
  • Aiding in weight-loss
  • Treating stomach ulcers
  • Managing and treating Arthritis
  • Treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • Treating dark skin patches on the face (melasma)
  • Managing diabetes
  • Treating Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Relieving muscle cramps
  • Relieving pain in people with cancer
  • Preventing weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)
  • Curing osteo-arthritis
  • Treating scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis)
  • Treating tuberculosis
  • Vaginal Yeast Infections

Licorice root Dosage

Licorice root can be used as tea, tincture, powder, or supplement, applied atopically as gel. There are no established standard limits for intake, however, it is recommended to keep the glycyrrhizin limits less than 100mg/day.

Licorice root Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Fatigue, Headache, Fluid retention and swelling, High blood pressure, Muscle weakness or cramping.
Not so common side-effects: Kidney failure, Paralysis.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Licorice root consumption during preganancy can lead to adverse neurological effects in children later in life.
Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Advisable for short term use only. Severe and life threatening side effects can be seen if used for longer interval of time.

Where to Buy Licorice root in US?

Chinmayi Kulkarni

Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.

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