Yashtimadhu (Licorice): The Ultimate Ayurvedic Rejuvenative for Gut, Respiratory & Adrenal Balance

Ancient Madhura Rasayana wisdom for healing, nourishment, and systemic harmony

The herbal drug ‘Yashtimadhu’ or ‘Mulethi’ (Licorice Root) (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is regarded in Ayurveda as one of the top Ayurvedic herbs for Amlapitta (acid disorders), Kasa–Shwasa (respiratory diseases), Vatarakta and other inflammatory diseases, adrenal fatigue and tissue depletion due to long-term stress. Ancient Ayurvedic texts provide ample evidence of the healing powers of the herb Yashtimadhu. 

Yashtimadhu is a potent Rasayana and Jeevaniya dravya (restorative and rejuvenative substance). Yashtimadhu nourishes depleted tissues, calms inflamed mucous membranes, and balances aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas, and assists with the proper functioning of the Srotas (channels), especially Pranavaha and Annavaha. The uniqueness of Yashtimadhu is its ability to heal and restore tissue strength without causing further irritation to the tissue.

Yashtimadhu is relevant today for those impacted by irregular and chronic acidity and many of the resulting health problems caused by chronic stress – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress-related anxiety, chronic stomach conditions (such as Barrett’s esophagus), chronic respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, ulcers, burnout, and more recently, inflammation in the intestines, which has become a growing concern. 

Rejuvenating the entire body as a whole, Yashtimadhu protects the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines and promotes a healthy response to stressful situations that promote a continual state of “fight or flight”. In addition, Yashtimadhu provides superior adrenal gland functioning and increases the body’s immune function.

What is Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)?

यष्टि मधुरं बल्यं कण्ठ्यं वृष्यं रसायनम् ।

Translation: “Yashtimadhu is sweet, strength-promoting, nourishing to the throat, vitality-enhancing, and a Rasayana.”

Yashatmadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb used in Ayurveda, and the root of the plant is widely used due to its enormous medicinal properties. The plant is found throughout Asia and the Mediterranean regions and has been extensively studied for the treatment of Pitta and Vata disorders, tissue depletion and mucous membrane inflammation. In literature, it's written about Yashatmadhu that the herb is the most important "Jeevaniya dravya" (a substance capable of providing life to an individual) and "Rasayana" (the rejuvenating substance), which strengthens vitality and reduces inflammation within the internal tissues of the body.

The root of Yashatmadhu contains numerous bioactive compounds such as Glycyrrhizin, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Flavonoids, Saponins and Polyphenols. Each of these compounds has been shown to have demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, adaptogenic and immunomodulatory effects on the body. The compounds work together to protect and heal the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. They also support adrenal health, decrease inflammation and aid in nourishing and regenerating tissues.

Ayurvedic Identity of Yashtimadhu

Sanskrit Names: Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashti, Madhuka, Yashtyahva

Botanical Name : Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

Family: Fabaceae

Part Used: Root (Moola)

Karma: Rasayana (rejuvenative), Jeevaniya (life-promoting), Balya (strength-enhancing), Kanthya (beneficial for throat and voice), Vranaropana (tissue healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Pittahara (pacifies Pitta), Vatahara (pacifies Vata), and Medhya (supports nervous system).

Ayurvedic Properties of Yashtimadhu

Classical References

Shaloka Reference:

यष्टी हिमा गुरुः स्वाद्वी चक्षुष्या बलवर्णकृत् ।  सुस्निग्धा शुक्रला केश्या स्वर्या पित्तानिलास्त्रजित् । व्रणशोथविषच्छर्दितृष्णाग्लानिक्षयापहा ॥१४६॥

Translation: Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a sweet flavour, a guru character, and a cold potency. It is excellent for the eyes, strengthens the immune system, improves the complexion and moisturises the skin, raises the sperm count, gives healthy, glossy hair, and enhances the quality of the voice. It vitiates Rakta (blood) and calms Pitta and Vata. Rich in these qualities, it aids in the healing of wounds, reduces swelling, acts as an antidote in the event of poisoning, relieves nausea and vomiting, quenches thirst, and is especially beneficial for those who are weak and sad. ¹

Shaloka Reference:

यष्टोमधु तथा यष्टीमधुकं क्लीतकं तथा । अन्यत्खलीतनकं तत्तु भवेत्तोये मधूलिका ॥ १४५ ॥  यष्टी हिमा गुरुः स्वाद्वी चक्षुष्या बलवर्णकृत्।  सुस्निग्धा शुक्रला केश्या स्वर्या पित्तानिलास्त्रजित् । व्रणशोथ विषच्छर्दितृष्णाग्लानिज्ञयापहा ॥

Translation: Mulethi is also known by names like Yashtimadhu, Yashtimadhuk, and Clitmak. Another kind can be found in water. We refer to it as Madhulika. It tastes sweet, is hefty, and has a cold potency. It improves the quality of the body's semen, strengthens the skin, and benefits the eyes. Both hair and voice benefit from it. Pitta, vata, inflammation, wounds, vomiting, thirst, and weakness are all managed by it.²

Top Benefits of Yashtimadhu

Soothing Rasayana for Healing, Nourishment & Tissue Rejuvenation

Ayurvedic practitioners generally view Yashtimadhu as one of the most effective Madhura Rasayana (sweetened rejuvenator) herbs because it nourishes the body by calming, healing, and restoring tissue. It does not stimulate but rather nourishes and supports depleted or damaged tissues through nutrition and slow rejuvenation. For individuals suffering from chronic exhaustion or weakness caused by tissue depletion, Yashtimadhu is often used as a remedy.

Natural Support for Acidity, Ulcers & Gut Mucosal Health

Amlapitta, gastritis, and ulceration are often treated with Yashtimadhu because it provides a soothing effect on the inflamed mucosa of the stomach and helps to balance Pitta. Yashtimadhu improves digestion without irritation, decreases the burning sensation associated with excess acidity, and promotes healthy mucus production. Due to its demulcent properties, Yashtimadhu protects the intestinal lining and is therefore valuable for alleviating stress-induced hyperacidity and reflux, as well as inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Relieves Cough, Throat Irritation & Respiratory Inflammation

Yashtimadhu is traditionally used in treating coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. Yashtimadhu has an anti-inflammatory property that calms respiratory tract irritation and helps clear the voice. By calming Vata and Pitta in the lungs, Yashtimadhu reduces inflammation and allows people with chronic coughs, hoarseness, and allergies to absorb and breathe easily.

Protects Against Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

Yashtimadhu promotes stress balance and chronic stress adaptation by nurturing the nervous system and maintaining adrenal function. It relieves fatigue and burnout while improving one's overall mental health through supportiveness without aggravation. Yashtimadhu also protects against hormonal imbalance by enhancing resilience. Both properties make this herb a valuable asset to anyone experiencing weakness from chronic stress conditions.

Promotes Skin Healing & Tissue Repair

Ayurveda considers Yashtimadhu to be an effective Vranaropana (wound-healing) herb. It supports wound healing while reducing inflammation and improving skin integrity in a variety of skin conditions, including ulcers, eczema, and irritation. The herb nourishes and cools the body to help restore healthy cellular architecture and protect against inflammatory and dry skin.

Scientific Studies of Yashtimadhu

There is strong evidence from many recent scientific research studies and what we now know about the plant called Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that this plant is a "Rasayana," an anti-inflammatory, a demulcent, and an "adaptogen".

Anti-Ulcer, Gastro-Protective & Mucosal Healing Action

The efficacy of Yashtimadhu as an antidote to stomach ailments is evident throughout the scientific literature, as it increases mucositis and helps heal damage to the mucosa, in addition to providing a protective action against acid reflux from acid in the stomach. In this respect, it is an effective gastroprotectant and helps prevent and heal injury to the mucosa associated with medication-induced ulcers and chronic ulcers resulting from stress or long-term use of medication for pain management. The pharmaceutical components (glycyrrhizin and flavonoids) in Yashtimadhu protect against gastric ulcers and are responsible for traditional indications for Yashtimadhu (Amlapitta, Grahani, and ulcerative conditions).

Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Effects

In addition to its gastroprotective activity, Yashtimadhu also has anti-inflammatory activity (i.e., inhibits the activity of inflammatory mediators such as NF-κB and prostaglandin) and acts as an immunomodulator; therefore, it will help to restore balance to the immune system and will be beneficial in diseases associated with an imbalance of Pitta and Vata.

Respiratory Protective & Antitussive Activity

Yashtimadhu can help soothe an irritated respiratory tract by inhibiting coughing and broncho constriction, and help in reducing bronchial reactions from allergens due to inflammation of the bronchial walls. In summary, Yashtimadhu is a well-established traditional remedy with proven pharmaceutical benefits in many conditions affecting the respiratory tract (dryness and inflammation).

Hormonal Modulation & Systemic Support

Preclinical and clinical observations suggest that Yashtimadhu gently modulates cortisol metabolism and supports endocrine balance without overstimulation. This makes it valuable in stress-related hormonal disturbances, chronic fatigue states, and inflammatory endocrine conditions, especially where tissue nourishment and cooling support are required.

The adaptogenic properties of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, through which Yashtimadhu increases stress tolerance and decreases fatigue while supporting the adrenal function and clarity of thought and provides protection of neural tissue from damage due to stress. Therefore, Yashtimadhu is classified in Ayurveda as both Balya (strengthening) and a Medhya (intellectually enhancing) Rasayana.

Systemic Rejuvenation & Long-Term Protective Action

Yashtimadhu possesses a significant amount of antioxidant activity, as it can eliminate free radicals and boost antioxidant levels naturally within the body. The antioxidant activity of Yashtimadhu will protect from the harmful effects of oxygen (oxidative stress) on epithelial, neural, and connective tissue through the actions of Yashtimadhu's activity and compounds, and these properties correspond to its Vranaropana (wound healing), Shothahara (inflammation reducing), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, respectively.

Hormonal Modulation & Systemic Support

Yashtimadhu can also provide systemic hormonal balance to support endocrine balance through enhanced regulation of cortisol metabolism, but does so gently, allowing Yashtimadhu to be of value in chronic fatigue states, stress-related disturbances in hormones, and inflammatory conditions of the endocrine system. Where there is a need for nourishment and cooling support for the tissue, Yashtimadhu is of particular use.

Adaptogenic, Anti-Stress & Neuroprotective Effects

Yashtimadhu provides systemic rejuvenation and long-term protection through its combined properties of anti-inflammation, antioxidants, mucosal protection, and adaptogenic actions. Yashtimadhu preserves tissue integrity, enhances the ability to cope with stress, and maintains vitality over time. This presumes the potency of Rasayana herbs for the purpose of maintaining health and vitality over time.

How Yashtimadhu Works: Interlocking the Mechanism

Ayurvedic Mechanism

• Pacifies aggravated Pitta and Vata, especially in mucous membranes and nervous systems.

• Provides soothing and healing for irritated tissues travelling via Madhura Rasa & Sheeta Virya.

• Nourishes depleted Dhatus and enhances Ojas via Rasayana (rejuvenating) actions.

• Protects and restores mucous membrane linings of both the gut and respiratory systems (Vranaropana).

• Reduces inflammation & burning sensations (Shothahara, Pittashaman).

• Provides support for healthy digestion without irritating (Mridu Deepana).

• Stabilizes Pranavaha and Annavaha Srotas for improved respiration and digestion.

Modern Biomedical Mechanism

• Increased production of gastric mucus and protective effect for epithelial tissue.

• Inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators that contribute to mucosal and/or systemic inflammation.

• Possesses antioxidant properties and reduces cellular oxidative stress.

• Modulates stress response via an increase in adrenal activity and the HPA axis.

• Reduces cough reflex sensitivity and calms bronchial tissue.

• Regulates immune balance and promotes tissue regeneration and repair.

• Prevention of degeneration of tissues due to inflammation and/or stress.

Who Can Take Yashtimadhu?

• Hyperacidity, gastritis, acid reflux, burning sensation in the upper abdominal region (due to Pitta being vitiated).

• Chronic cough, sore throat and hoarseness, with repeated respiratory irritation.

• Stress, burnout, mental fatigue or adrenal exhaustion.

• Peptic ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease require mucosal repair.

• Dryness, weakness and tissue depletion due to chronic illness or overdoing it.

• Vata-Pitta imbalances, as seen in anxiety, dryness, inflammation and restlessness.

• Recovering from a long-term illness or surgery or having experienced stress-related degeneration.

• Skin irritation, ulcers and delayed wound healing.

• Middle-aged and older individuals require gentle Rasayana support without overstimulation.

• Professions that use their voice extensively and experience sore throats or vocal fatigue.

• Individuals with sleep disturbances and/or nervous irritability caused by stress and vitiated Pitta.

• Modern lifestyles, irregular food intake and/or stressful lifestyles cause weakened digestion and tissue resilience.

References:

1. Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Shloka 146

2. Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga, Shloka 145-146

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