Herbarium · Respiratory

Yashtimadhu (Mulethi)Yaṣṭimadhu

Pacifies Vata and Pitta; aggravates Kapha in excess.

Common name: Yashtimadhu (Mulethi)
Sanskrit (IAST): Yaṣṭimadhu
Latin botanical: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Form: Herb / Powder (Choorna)
Category tags: RespiratoryDemulcent · Soothing

Overview & dosha effects

Pacifies Vata and Pitta; aggravates Kapha in excess.

Traditional uses

The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.

·Traditionally used for sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness^[1]
·Traditionally used for hyperacidity and peptic ulcer^[2]
·Traditionally used for adrenal support^[1]
·Traditionally used for eye-wash component (with triphala)^[2]

How it is taken

1/4–1/2 tsp (1–3 g) powder with honey or warm water 2–3 times daily; or as kashaya. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form for long-term ulcer use.

Classical text references

^[1]Charaka SaṃhitāSūtrasthāna 4
Named in kaṇṭhya (throat-supporting) and jīvanīya (life-supporting) daśemāni.
^[2]Bhāvaprakāśa NighaṇṭuHarītakyādi Varga
Yaṣṭīmadhu profile: rasa (madhura), vīrya (śīta) — vāta-pitta-hara.

Modern research

Contemporary clinical and pharmacological reviews (see references) explore Yashtimadhu (Mulethi)'s role in the areas where Ayurveda has traditionally used it. Evidence quality varies; treat single studies with caution and prefer systematic reviews.

Safety notes — read before use

Contraindications

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

✕Hypertension, congestive heart failure, edema
✕Hypokalemia or on potassium-wasting diuretics
✕Pregnancy (associated with preterm delivery at high doses)
✕Liver cirrhosis, severe renal disease
✕With digoxin, corticosteroids, MAOIs, oral contraceptives

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

Drug interactions

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Yashtimadhu (Mulethi): Glycyrrhizin causes sodium/water retention, hypokalemia, and hypertension with prolonged use over ~6 weeks. Use DGL for long-term protocols.

Allergies

Fabaceae family.

This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.

Classical alternatives

For long-term gastric protection, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) or Shatavari + Yashtimadhu Ghrita.

References

[1]Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 4 — Named in kaṇṭhya (throat-supporting) and jīvanīya (life-supporting) daśemāni.
[2]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu, Harītakyādi Varga — Yaṣṭīmadhu profile: rasa (madhura), vīrya (śīta) — vāta-pitta-hara.
[3]Memorial Sloan Kettering · Licorice ↗
[4]NIH NCCIH · Licorice root fact sheet ↗
[5]PubMed · Glycyrrhizin adverse effects review ↗

Related herbs

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulasī