DGL – Ayurved Healing

Yashtimadhu (Licorice): The Adrenal Support Herb with 40+ Studies

Dr. Meera Iyer — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:48:10 +0000

Yashtimadhu: Classical Identity, Uses, and Modern Safety

Yashtimadhu, also called Yashti or Madhuyashti, is the dried root and stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India identifies it as a sweet, cooling, unctuous and nourishing drug traditionally used in conditions such as cough, hoarseness, wasting, wounds and Vatarakta. Modern interest has focused on its triterpenoid saponins, especially glycyrrhizin, but the same constituents that contribute to its pharmacological activity can also cause clinically important adverse effects. Whole-root licorice, standardized extracts and deglycyrrhizinated licorice are therefore not interchangeable.

Identity and Pharmacopoeial Standard

The official Ayurvedic monograph describes Yashti as the dried, unpeeled stolon and root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., family Leguminosae. Its recognized synonyms include Yashtimadhuka, Yashtika, Madhuka, Madhuyashti and Yashtyahva. Correct botanical identification matters because commercial products may differ in plant species, extraction method, glycyrrhizin content and intended route of use.

Pharmacopoeial Feature	Verified Description
Official part	Dried, unpeeled root and stolon
Botanical source	Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Important constituents listed in the API	Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, asparagine, sugars, resin and starch
Pharmacopoeial powder dose	2–4 g, subject to professional individualization

Classical Ayurvedic Pharmacology

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia gives Yashtimadhu a predominantly nourishing and cooling profile. Its properties support its classical use where soothing, unctuous and strength-promoting actions are desired, while its heaviness and sweetness require thoughtful selection in patients with marked Kapha, sluggish digestion or fluid retention.

Rasa: Madhura (sweet)
Guna: Guru (heavy) and Snigdha (unctuous)
Virya: Shita (cooling)
Vipaka: Madhura (sweet post-digestive effect)
Dosha action: Vatapittajit, meaning it pacifies Vata and Pitta
Classical karmas: Balya, Chakshushya, Vrishya, Varnya and Raktaprasadana
Pharmacopoeial therapeutic uses: Kasa, Kshaya, Svarabheda, Vatarakta and Vrana

Classical Groupings and Rasayana Context

In Charaka Samhita, Madhuka—a recognized synonym of Yashti in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia—is included in several ten-drug groups, including Jeevaniya, Sandhaniya, Varnya, Kanthya and Kandughna. These classifications place the drug in life-supporting, tissue-restorative, complexion-promoting, throat-benefiting and itching-relieving contexts. Charaka also describes Yashtimadhu powder taken with milk among the Medhya Rasayana measures. This is a classical mode of administration and should not be converted into a modern disease prescription without assessing digestion, constitution, comorbidities and concurrent medicines.

Phytochemical Profile

Licorice root contains several constituent classes rather than a single active principle. Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid are especially important because they influence cortisol metabolism and account for much of the characteristic safety profile. Flavonoids and chalcones such as liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin and glabridin are also well described, although findings from laboratory studies do not establish identical clinical effects for every licorice preparation.

Constituent Class	Representative Compounds	Clinical Relevance
Triterpenoid saponins	Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid	Major markers of whole-root licorice and principal contributors to mineralocorticoid-type adverse effects
Triterpenoid metabolite	Glycyrrhetinic acid	Inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2
Flavonoids and chalcones	Liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin and glabridin	Phytochemical markers investigated in experimental pharmacology
Other constituents	Asparagine, sugars, resin and starch	Components recorded in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeial monograph

Digestive and Oral Applications

European and Canadian herbal monographs recognize traditional digestive uses of licorice preparations for symptoms such as burning, dyspepsia and minor inflammatory irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Evidence is preparation-specific: whole-root tea, standardized extracts and DGL differ substantially in glycyrrhizin exposure, dose and safety considerations.

Functional Dyspepsia

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the standardized licorice extract GutGard at 75 mg twice daily for 30 days in adults with functional dyspepsia. Total symptom scores improved more with the extract than with placebo at days 15 and 30, and quality-of-life scores also improved. The result supports the studied extract and regimen; it does not establish equivalent dosing for ordinary root powder, tea or unrelated commercial products.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice

DGL is processed to remove most of the original glycyrrhizic acid. Health Canada’s oral DGL monograph permits claims for relief of minor gastrointestinal inflammation and abdominal pain or burning in the stomach. For adults, it lists 380–1,520 mg per dose three times daily, chewed or mixed with saliva between meals or about 20 minutes before meals. The finished product must contain no more than 3% of the original glycyrrhizic acid quantity. These specifications apply to qualifying DGL products, not to whole Yashtimadhu powder.

Aphthous Ulcers

A small clinical trial using licorice bioadhesive hydrogel patches in recurrent aphthous ulcers reported reductions in pain and lesion dimensions compared with placebo or no treatment. A separate Canadian buccal DGL monograph recognizes temporary relief of minor oral mucosal inflammation, including canker sores. Persistent, unusually large or frequently recurring ulcers require dental or medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Respiratory and Throat Use

Yashtimadhu’s traditional respiratory role is consistently reflected across sources. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia lists Kasa and Svarabheda among its uses, while Charaka includes Madhuka in the Kanthya group. The European herbal monograph recognizes licorice root as a traditional expectorant for cough associated with a cold. Breathlessness, high fever, purulent sputum or a cough that persists or worsens warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Cortisol Metabolism and Pseudoaldosteronism

In kidney tissue, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 normally converts active cortisol to cortisone and thereby protects the mineralocorticoid receptor. Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits this enzyme. Cortisol can then stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors, promoting sodium and water retention, potassium loss, raised blood pressure and, in severe cases, cardiac rhythm disturbances. This pathway explains licorice-induced pseudoaldosteronism; it is not a basis for self-treating fatigue, suspected adrenal insufficiency or low cortisol.

“Adrenal fatigue” is not an accepted endocrine diagnosis, and a 2016 systematic review found no substantiation for it as a distinct medical condition. Persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, weight change or suspected adrenal disease should be investigated by a qualified healthcare provider rather than managed with licorice on the assumption that prolonging cortisol action is beneficial.

Dose and Preparation Matter

Published doses belong to specific traditions, products and indications. They should not be combined, multiplied or transferred from one preparation to another. Glycyrrhizin content varies, and the patient’s blood pressure, potassium status, kidney function, medicines and duration of use can change the risk substantially.

Preparation	Verified Reference Dose	Important Qualification
Ayurvedic root powder	2–4 g	API pharmacopoeial dose; individualize under professional guidance
Licorice-root tea for digestive symptoms	1.5–2 g in 150 ml water, 2–4 times daily after meals	EMA traditional-use regimen; do not use longer than 4 weeks without medical advice
Licorice-root tea for cough with a cold	1.5 g in 150 ml water twice daily	EMA traditional-use regimen for adults
Qualifying oral DGL product	380–1,520 mg per dose, 3 times daily	Chew or mix with saliva; product must meet the DGL glycyrrhizic-acid specification

European and international safety evaluations have discussed regular intake around 100 mg glycyrrhizinic acid per day as unlikely to cause adverse effects in most adults, but this is not a guaranteed safe dose or an established acceptable daily intake. Susceptible individuals may develop adverse effects below that amount, especially with repeated exposure.

Safety, Contraindications and Interactions

Whole licorice can produce water retention, hypokalemia, hypertension and arrhythmias, particularly with high intake, prolonged use or increased susceptibility. It should not be treated as an unrestricted food-like tonic. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider should review any planned course, especially when symptoms are chronic or medicines are being taken.

Avoid during pregnancy. During breastfeeding, use only after professional assessment.
Avoid in hypertension, hypokalemia, kidney disease, liver disease or cardiovascular disease unless specifically supervised by a clinician.
Do not combine casually with potassium-depleting diuretics, cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives or other medicines that can worsen electrolyte imbalance.
Licorice may oppose antihypertensive treatment and may increase the consequences of low potassium.
Avoid taking several licorice-containing teas, candies, supplements or formulas at the same time.
Seek medical care if swelling, marked weakness, muscle cramps, palpitations or a substantial rise in blood pressure occurs.

Responsible Ayurvedic Use

Yashtimadhu is best selected according to the patient’s Prakriti, current dosha disturbance, Agni, tissue state, age, season and medical history. Its Madhura, Guru, Snigdha and Shita qualities can be appropriate in selected Vata- or Pitta-predominant presentations, but the same profile may be unsuitable where heaviness, poor digestion, congestion or fluid retention dominate. Long-term use should not proceed solely because the herb is described as Balya, Medhya or Rasayana in a classical context.

Confirm the botanical identity, plant part and preparation on the label.
Distinguish whole-root licorice from DGL and standardized extracts.
Use the lowest appropriate dose for the shortest suitable duration.
Do not use licorice as a substitute for evaluation of persistent gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, hepatic or oral symptoms.
For constitutional context, see the Prakriti assessment guide, while recognizing that formal prescribing requires an individualized consultation.

A Balanced Clinical View

Yashtimadhu is a well-defined Ayurvedic drug with verified classical actions, traditional digestive and respiratory uses, and a small but relevant body of preparation-specific clinical evidence. Its benefits should be interpreted alongside its predictable effects on cortisol metabolism, blood pressure, potassium and fluid balance. Correct identification, appropriate formulation, limited duration and professional supervision preserve the value of this classical herb while reducing avoidable harm.

References

Yashtimadhu (Licorice) for Gastric Health: Clinical Evidence Review

Dr. Meera Iyer — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:27:24 +0000

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly called licorice or mulethi, is described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as the dried, unpeeled root and stolon of the plant. Modern products are not interchangeable: whole-root powders and extracts retain glycyrrhizin, while deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is processed to remove most of it. This distinction is central to both gastric use and safety. Licorice has a long history in digestive care, but current human data do not justify treating it as a replacement for established therapy for peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or Helicobacter pylori infection.

Carbenoxolone and the Modern Ulcer Story

Interest in licorice for peptic ulcers led to the development of carbenoxolone, a semisynthetic derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid. Controlled studies published during the 1960s and 1970s reported faster healing of gastric ulcers with carbenoxolone. A 1968 paper in Gut, for example, examined carbenoxolone treatment and the antagonistic effect of spironolactone. These trials helped establish that a licorice-derived compound could influence ulcer healing, but carbenoxolone was a specific pharmaceutical agent rather than ordinary Yashtimadhu powder or DGL.

Carbenoxolone also produced mineralocorticoid-like adverse effects, including sodium and fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, and oedema. Its history therefore illustrates both the pharmacological activity of licorice constituents and the danger of assuming that a natural source guarantees gentle action. It does not provide direct proof that contemporary whole-root supplements or DGL reliably heal ulcers.

DGL vs. Whole Root: A Necessary Distinction

Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice and DGL should be evaluated as different preparations. Glycyrrhizin is converted to glycyrrhetinic acid, which can inhibit 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. This permits cortisol to exert stronger mineralocorticoid effects and may cause sodium retention, potassium depletion, raised blood pressure, oedema, muscle weakness, and cardiac rhythm disturbances. Individual susceptibility varies, and serious reactions have occurred at lower intakes in vulnerable people.

DGL is processed specifically to reduce this risk. Health Canada’s current monograph requires a finished DGL product to contain no more than 3% of the glycyrrhizic acid originally present in the source material. It recognizes chewable DGL as a demulcent for minor gastrointestinal inflammation and for abdominal pain or burning in the stomach. This regulatory indication should not be interpreted as approval for healing peptic ulcers, eradicating H. pylori, or treating complicated reflux disease.

Parameter	Whole Root or Glycyrrhizin-Containing Extract	DGL
Glycyrrhizin	Retained; quantity varies by material and extract	Greatly reduced; qualifying products contain no more than 3% of the original amount
Principal clinical concern	Hypokalaemia, hypertension, fluid retention, oedema, and arrhythmia	Lower glycyrrhizin-related risk, although product quality and other ingredients still matter
Digestive role	Traditional short-term use for burning and dyspeptic symptoms	Demulcent relief of minor gastrointestinal irritation and stomach burning
Ulcer treatment	Not equivalent to carbenoxolone and not a substitute for standard ulcer care	Not an established treatment for gastric or duodenal ulcer healing
Form	Powder, decoction, or standardized extract under professional guidance	Usually a chewable preparation intended to mix with saliva

The European Medicines Agency’s assessment of oral DGL trials did not support a well-established medicinal use for gastric or duodenal ulcer treatment. DGL may still provide short-term soothing relief in selected people with minor burning or dyspeptic discomfort, but persistent, recurrent, nocturnal, bleeding-associated, or unexplained symptoms require medical assessment.

Yashtimadhu and H. pylori

H. pylori is an important cause of peptic ulcer disease and requires a validated eradication regimen followed by confirmation that the infection has cleared. Licorice constituents have demonstrated activity against the organism in laboratory investigations, and one randomized Iranian trial published in 2016 enrolled 120 patients and compared clarithromycin-based triple therapy with the same regimen plus licorice. Reported eradication was 83.3% in the licorice group and 62.5% in the control group.

That trial supports further evaluation of licorice as an adjunct, not as stand-alone treatment. It used a clarithromycin-based regimen that should not now be selected empirically where susceptibility is unknown. The 2024 American College of Gastroenterology guideline recommends 14-day optimized bismuth quadruple therapy as a preferred regimen for many treatment-naive patients and advises against PPI-clarithromycin triple therapy unless clarithromycin sensitivity has been demonstrated. Eradication should be confirmed after treatment with an appropriate breath, stool, or biopsy-based test.

Yashtimadhu, PPIs, and Standard Gastric Care

Proton pump inhibitors remain established medicines for acid suppression in peptic ulcer disease, erosive oesophagitis, and other defined acid-related disorders. They act differently from licorice preparations, and the two should not be presented as direct substitutes. Management also depends on the diagnosis: an H. pylori-positive ulcer requires eradication therapy, a medicine-induced ulcer requires review of the offending medicine, and alarm symptoms may require endoscopy or other investigation.

Yashtimadhu or DGL may be considered only as complementary symptom support when a qualified clinician judges it appropriate. They should not delay investigation of black stools, vomiting blood, progressive difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, anaemia, unintended weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or recurrent symptoms. Prescribed PPIs should not be stopped or stepped down solely because an herbal product has been started.

Dosage, Duration, and Safety Limits

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India gives 2–4 g of Yashti powder as the pharmacopoeial dose. This is a monograph dose, not a universal self-treatment instruction: glycyrrhizin content varies, the patient’s constitution and diagnosis matter, and risk rises with prolonged or excessive exposure. The European Medicines Agency treats glycyrrhizin-containing licorice as a short-term preparation and notes important cardiovascular and electrolyte hazards with chronic use.

DGL dosing

Health Canada’s oral DGL monograph lists an adult single dose of 380–1520 mg, taken three times daily, with the product chewed between meals or about 20 minutes before meals. Commercial extracts differ in concentration and excipients, so the labelled amount and glycyrrhizic-acid specification should be checked rather than transferring a dose from one product to another. Symptoms that persist or worsen should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

People who should avoid whole-root licorice

Glycyrrhizin-containing Yashtimadhu is unsuitable for several groups because it can disturb blood pressure, fluid balance, and potassium. Medicinal use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation and in children unless specifically directed by a suitably qualified clinician.

People with hypertension, hypokalaemia, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or significant oedema
People with liver disease, especially when fluid retention or electrolyte disturbance is present
People taking thiazide or loop diuretics, cardiac glycosides such as digoxin, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives, or medicines that can worsen potassium loss
People taking antihypertensive treatment, because licorice may oppose blood-pressure control

DGL has a lower glycyrrhizin-related risk, but “deglycyrrhizinated” should not be treated as a guarantee that every product is identical or interaction-free. Anyone using prescription medicines, particularly for the heart, kidneys, blood pressure, or fluid balance, should show the exact product label to a physician or pharmacist.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacological Profile

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India records a clear dravyaguna profile for Yashti. These attributes describe the drug within Ayurvedic pharmacology and should be applied through assessment of dosha, agni, tissue state, disease stage, associated symptoms, and the chosen anupana.

Rasa (taste): Madhura
Guna (qualities): Guru and Snigdha
Virya (potency): Shita
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Madhura
Karma: Balya, Chakshushya, Vrishya, Varnya, Vatapittajit, and Raktaprasadana

The same monograph lists Kasa, Kshaya, Svarabheda, Vatarakta, and Vrana among its therapeutic uses, and names preparations including Eladi Gutika, Yashtimadhuka Taila, and Madhuyashtyadi Taila. Its explicit designation as Vatapittajit, together with Madhura rasa, Snigdha guna, and Shita virya, explains why Ayurvedic physicians may select it when soothing, nourishing, or Pitta-moderating actions are desired. It should nevertheless be prescribed according to the complete clinical picture rather than equated mechanically with an antacid or PPI.

Yashtimadhu may appear in individualized digestive prescriptions with other herbs, but no single pairing or milk-based recipe is universally appropriate for hyperacidity. Formula choice, processing, dose, and vehicle depend on diagnosis and tolerance. Broader dietary and constitutional context is discussed in our Pitta management article, while our Triphala guide describes a different classical approach to bowel and digestive support.

A Practical Summary

Yashtimadhu is a pharmacologically active Ayurvedic drug, not merely a sweet soothing tea. Whole-root preparations retain glycyrrhizin and therefore carry meaningful risks involving potassium, blood pressure, fluid retention, and cardiac rhythm. DGL reduces this particular hazard and has a recognized demulcent role for minor gastrointestinal irritation and burning, but it is not an established ulcer-healing medicine.

For peptic ulcers, significant GERD, or suspected H. pylori, diagnosis and standard treatment remain primary. Licorice should not replace eradication antibiotics, prescribed acid suppression, endoscopic evaluation, or investigation of alarm symptoms. Its most defensible place is carefully selected, short-term complementary use with attention to the exact preparation, dose, medical history, and concurrent medicines. For another evidence-focused herbal profile, see our Ashwagandha research review.

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Do not stop or alter prescribed gastric medicines without consulting a gastroenterologist or other qualified healthcare provider. Whole-root Yashtimadhu has clinically important contraindications and interactions; DGL should also be reviewed with a healthcare professional when symptoms persist, pregnancy is possible, or prescription medicines are being used.