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.

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