Glycyrrhiza glabra(Fabaceae)- Yashtimadhu

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Glycyrrhiza

Related Herbs from the same family:

Cicer arietinum (Chickpea/Chana): A dietary staple whose nutritive properties are highly valued.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methi): A common spice and medicine.

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa): A nutritive tonic and phytoestrogen herb.

The Fabaceae family provides many of the world's most important medicinal plants, with Licorice being one of the most significant.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra | English: Licorice, Liquorice | Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu, Madhuka | Hindi: Mulethi, Jethimadhu | Tamil: Atimaduram | Telugu: Yashtimadhukam | Kannada: Atimadhura | Malayalam: Iratimadhuram | Marathi: Jeshthamadh | Bengali: Yashtimadhu | Nepali: Jethimadhu | Urdu: Mulethi | French: Réglisse | Spanish: Regaliz | Italian: Liquirizia | German: Süßholzwurzel | Chinese: Gāncǎo (甘草) | Russian: Solodka (Солодка) | Japanese: Kanzō (カンゾウ) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Demulcent, Expectorant, Adrenal Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Laxative (mild), Antispasmodic, Antioxidant, Ulcer-healing, Anti-viral.

Medicinal Parts:The root and stolon (underground stem) are the exclusive parts used in medicine.

• Root/Stolon (Dried/Peeled/Unpeeled): Used in decoctions, powders, teas, and extracts. The peeled root is considered superior in many traditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhizic acid): This triterpenoid saponin is 50 times sweeter than sucrose and is the primary active constituent. It is responsible for the Anti-inflammatory and Adrenocorticotropic effects (mimics cortisol), Expectorant, and Antiviral activities. It is also the compound that can cause side effects like elevated blood pressure with prolonged overuse.

Flavonoids (Liquiritin, Glabridin): These compounds contribute to the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects. Glabridin is also studied for its potential skin-lightening properties.

Mucilage and Polysaccharides: These provide the Demulcent and soothing action on mucous membranes, protecting the stomach and throat lining.

Phytoestrogens (Isoflavones): Licorice contains compounds that have a mild estrogenic activity, which can be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms but should be used with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shwasahara (Beneficial for Respiration) and Kasahera (Antitussive)

Formulation: Yashtimadhu powder with honey or ghee, or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The powder is mixed with honey and taken to soothe a sore throat, relieve dry cough, and in conditions like asthma and bronchitis. A small piece of the root can be chewed directly.

Reasoning: The Demulcent property of the polysaccharides coats and soothes the throat, while the expectorant action of glycyrrhizin helps loosen phlegm.

Vranaropana (Wound Healer) and Pittahara (Soothes Pitta)

Formulation: Powdered root as a paste or medicated ghee (Ghrita).

Preparation & Use: A paste made with the powder and water is applied topically to heal wounds, canker sores, and inflammatory skin conditions. Internally, it is used to heal peptic ulcers.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like Glabridin reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair, while the demulcent action soothes internal ulcers.

Rasayana (Rejuvenator) for Adrenals and Voice

Formulation: Yashtimadhu Ghrita (medicated ghee) or powder with milk.

Preparation & Use: Used by singers to improve voice quality and as a tonic for general debility, especially adrenal fatigue and stress-related exhaustion.

Reasoning: Glycyrrhizin has been shown to slow the breakdown of cortisol, providing support to the adrenal glands during stress.

Demulcent & Antitussive (for Sore Throat and Cough)

Formulation: Root decoction or powder to suck on.

Preparation & Use: A small piece of the root is chewed or a decoction is prepared and consumed to relieve a sore throat, dry cough, and hoarseness of voice.

Reasoning: The Demulcent mucilage coats and soothes the irritated throat mucosa, while the Anti-inflammatory and Antitussive properties reduce the underlying inflammation and cough reflex.

Expectorant (for Bronchitis and Congested Cough)

Formulation: Decoction.

Preparation & Use: The decoction is used to thin and loosen phlegm in the chest, making it easier to expel.

Reasoning: Glycyrrhizin and saponins irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to a reflex increase in respiratory tract secretions, thus acting as an Expectorant.

Anti-inflammatory & Peptic Ulcer Healing (for Gastritis and Ulcers)

Formulation: Powder or decoction.

Preparation & Use: Yashtimadhu powder is mixed with milk or water and consumed to soothe heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. It is a key ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulations like Avipattikar churna.

Reasoning: The Demulcent mucilage forms a protective layer over the stomach lining. Glycyrrhizin derivatives (like deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) have been shown to promote the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Adrenal Tonic (for Stress and Fatigue)

Formulation: Decoction or powder.

Preparation & Use: In Ayurveda and Western herbalism, it is considered a premier Rasayana (rejuvenative) for the adrenal glands, used to combat chronic stress and fatigue.

Reasoning: Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme that breaks down cortisol, thereby prolonging its activity in the body. This can be supportive in cases of adrenal exhaustion but requires careful monitoring.

Skin Health (for Inflammation and Pigmentation)

Formulation: Topical paste.

Preparation & Use: The root powder is mixed with honey or rose water to make a paste and applied to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or for managing hyperpigmentation.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory flavonoids, particularly glabridin, help reduce skin redness and inhibit melanin production, leading to a skin-brightening effect.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Yashtimadhu Decoction (Kashayam) for Cough and Ulcers

Purpose: The primary method for extracting its healing compounds.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed licorice root in 1 cup of water for 5-10 minutes.

• Let it steep for 10 more minutes.

• Strain and drink. Can be taken 1-2 times daily.

Licorice and Honey Paste for Sore Throat

Purpose: A simple and effective remedy.

Preparation & Use:

• Mix a pinch of fine licorice powder with 1 teaspoon of honey.

• Lick this mixture slowly to coat the throat. Can be used 3-4 times a day.

Chewing Stick for Oral Health

Purpose: A traditional toothbrush and oral tonic.

Preparation & Use:

• A small, soft piece of licorice root can be chewed at one end to form a brush, which is then used to clean the teeth and gums.

• This is believed to strengthen gums and prevent cavities.

Licorice and Ginger Decoction for Cough

Purpose: To relieve both dry and congestive coughs.

Preparation & Use:

• Combine 1 tsp licorice root and 1/2 tsp dried ginger in 2 cups of water.

• Boil until reduced to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink warm, 1/4 cup at a time, 2-3 times a day.

Voice Clarifying Gargle

Purpose: For singers and speakers to clear the voice and soothe the vocal cords.

Preparation & Use:

• Prepare a weak decoction as in the tea recipe.

• Let it cool to room temperature.

• Gargle with this liquid for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

Skin Brightening Face Pack

Purpose: To reduce inflammation and even out skin tone.

Preparation & Use:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder with 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and enough rose water or milk to make a paste.

• Apply a thin layer to the face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

• Rinse off with cool water.

7. Disclaimer:Glycyrrhiza glabra is a powerful medicine and should be used with care. Excessive consumption (typically more than 4-6 weeks continuously) or high doses can lead to a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism, characterized by high blood pressure, sodium retention, potassium loss, and edema. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, low potassium levels, and during pregnancy. Consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential for therapeutic use.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston & Steven Maimes

• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla/Anantamul)

• Species: Hemidesmus indicus | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Hemidesmus

• Similarities: Both are sweet, cooling, demulcent roots used as blood purifiers and for skin diseases. They are often combined in Ayurvedic formulations for synergistic effects.

2. Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow Root)

• Species: Althaea officinalis | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Althaea

• Similarities: Shares the potent Demulcent and soothing properties of Licorice, making it excellent for respiratory and digestive tract irritation, though it lacks the adrenal and strong anti-inflammatory actions.