Herbarium · Women's Health

Yashtimadhu for MenopauseYaṣṭimadhu

Pacifies Vata and Pitta; mildly increases Kapha. Sweet, cooling, ojas-building.

Common name: Yashtimadhu for Menopause
Sanskrit (IAST): Yaṣṭimadhu
Latin botanical: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Form: Herb / Powder (Choorna)
Category tags: Women's HealthCooling · Adaptogen

Overview & dosha effects

Pacifies Vata and Pitta; mildly increases Kapha. Sweet, cooling, ojas-building.

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 menopausal hot flushes and night sweats with fatigue^[1]
·Traditionally used for adrenal depletion in peri- and post-menopause^[2]
·Traditionally used for dry cough, dry vaginal tissue, hoarseness from depleted rasa^[3]
·Traditionally used for emotional heat and irritability^[1]

How it is taken

1/4–1/2 tsp (1–3 g) root powder simmered briefly in milk or warm water once or twice daily, for a maximum of 4–6 weeks at a time, then a 2-week break.

Classical text references

^[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
^[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
^[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

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.

✕Uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, oedema
✕Hypokalaemia, kidney disease
✕With digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids, warfarin
✕Pregnancy and oestrogen-sensitive cancers

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 for Menopause: Glycyrrhizin can elevate blood pressure and lower potassium with prolonged or high-dose use. Use deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form if blood pressure is a concern.

Allergies

Fabaceae (legume) 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

Shatavari for oestrogen-sensitive patients (with practitioner supervision); Ashwagandha milk decoction for menopausal fatigue without fluid-retention risk.

References

[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.