Yashtimadhu, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) - Properties, Benefits & Dosage

Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial shrub, 6 feet in height with spikes bearing lilac-colored flowers with bean-like pods containing three or four seeds. Roots are long, wrinkled and brown in color. When outer skin of the shrub is removed there is a scaly yellow texture inside. From the basic root, secondary and tertiary roots originate. Leaves are conjoint, 70-150 mm long having 10-17 leaflets. Flowers are 8-12mm and pink to purple in color. Fruits are 20-30 mm, oblong pods and contain the 2-3 beans which are kidney-shaped.

General Information

Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is commonly known as mulethi and mostly available in Indian Kitchen. Health benefits of Yastimadhu are described in Ayurveda many years ago. This herb has a Soothing effect on the throat and pharynx is good so the use of Yastimadhu is good for hoarseness of voice. This herb has the antacid, anti-ulcer genic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants, anti-Alzheimer, anti-cancer, analgesic, immune modulator, anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic, anti-arthritic and aphrodisiac properties. Roots of this herb contain 3.6% glycyrrhizin which is a yellow amorphous powder-asparagine, a glycoside isoliquirtin 2.2%, glucose 3.8%, starch, gum, mucilage, amorphous, sulphuric acid and metallic acids, calcium and magnesium salts. All these ingredients are packed with healing properties for the human body.

Classification

•    Kingdom: Plantae
•    Order: Fabales
•    Family: Fabaceae
•    Genus: Glycyrrhiza

Habitat

Yastimadhu is the native to Southeastern Europe and cultivated in most of Europe. It is grown best in the hot, dry and sunny climates with yearly low rainfall. Whereas adequate soil moisture is necessary for its growth and development.

Names

•    Latin Name - Glycyrrhiza glabra
•    English name - Licorice/Liquorice
•    Hindi name - Mulethi, Jethimadhu
•    Tamil and Telugu name - Atimadhuram, Irattimadhuram
•    Hindi name - Muleti, Jetimadhu
•    Kannada name - Atimadhura, Jeshtamadhu
•    Telugu name - Yashtimadhukam
•    Bengali name - Yashtimadhu
•    Marathi name - Jeshtimadh
•    Gujarati name - Jethimadh

CLASSICAL REFERENCE

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects On Doshas

It balances vata and pitta doshas.

Ancient Verse About Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Yastimadhu, Yastimadhuk, Clitmak are names of mulethi. There is another type which is found in water. It is called as madhulika. It is cold in potency, heavy with a sweet taste. It is good for eyes, provides strength, improves complexion and enhances the quality of semen in the body. It is good for voice and hair. It manages pitta, vata, inflammation, wounds, vomiting, thirst and weakness.

References

The Bhavprakash nighantu with elaborated Hindi commentary by Padmashri prof. K.C. Chunekar, edited by Dr. G.S. Pandey: verse 145-146, edition of 1998: page no- 65-66.