Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial shrub that grows to a height of six feet. It has spikes that carry lilac-colored flowers and pods that resemble beans and contain three or four seeds each. The roots are brown in color, lengthy, and wrinkled. When the shrub’s outer skin is removed, the inner has a yellow, scaly feel. Secondary and tertiary roots grow from the basic root.
It is called licorice because Yashti, which means wood, and Madhu, which means honey, are combined. You’ll be shocked to hear that this herb-like plant has sweet roots and is 40–50 times sweeter than sugar. Because of its chemical makeup, it provides the individual with a host of health benefits.
Description
Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is primarily found in Indian kitchens. Yastimadhu’s health benefits have long been documented in Ayurveda.
Botanical Name:
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family:
Fabaceae
Leaves:
Growing up to a height of one meter, Glycyrrhiza glabra is an herbaceous perennial with pinnate leaves that are 7–15 cm long and have 9–17 leaflets.
Flowers:
The licorice plant has tiny, purple to light grayish blue blooms. They grow in unattached inflorescences.
Roots:
The most significant portion of the plant for therapeutic purposes is the licorice root. It is a thick, lengthy taproot that can reach a depth of one meter. The root’s exterior is longitudinally wrinkled and either brown or yellowish-brown in color. The yellow interior of the root has a distinct, sweet flavor.
Stems:
The licorice plant has semi-woody, herbaceous stems. They have a maximum height of 1.2 meters the leaves on the branched stems are pinnate.
Fruits:
The licorice plant bears oblong pods that are 20-30 mm (3⁄4–1+1⁄8 in) long and contain several seeds.
Habitat:
Yastimadhu is a native of Southeast Europe and is grown throughout most of the continent. It grows best in hot, dry, sunny areas with little annual precipitation. On the other hand, sufficient soil moisture is required for its development and growth.
Parts Used:
- Roots
Dosage:
- 1 to 4 gm
Chemical Constituents
Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetic acid, isoliquiritin, isoflavones, and other compounds make up G. glabra’s chemical composition. A number of pharmacological properties, including expectorant, antidemulcent, antiulcer, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic, have been linked to their derivatives.
Sanskrit Synonyms
Yashtimadhu – has sweet root and stemMadhuka – sweet
Klitaka – cure male infertility yashtyahva, Madhuyashti
Other Language Names of Yashtimadhu, (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Marathi name – Jeshtimadh
Gujarati name – Jethimadh
English name – Licorice/Liquorice
Hindi name – Mulethi, Jethimadhu
Tamil name – Atimadhuram, Irattimadhuram
Kannada name – Atimadhura, Jeshtamadhu
Telugu name – Yashtimadhukam
Bengali name – Yashtimadhu
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Glycyrrhiza |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Madhura
- Guna -Guru,Pichilam
- Virya -Sheeta
- Vipaka -Madhura
English
- Taste -Sweet
- Physical Property-Sticky,Heavy
- Potency- Cold
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Sweet
Yashtimadhu, (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Uses
- The roots of this herb support a gut that is in good health. This plant helps to lessen the stomach’s acid production. For the treatment of indigestion and heartburn, it is fairly effective. Because of this, this herb is used very well to treat gastrointestinal disorders such gastritis, duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- This herb’s root includes an ingredient that stops testosterone from into dihydrotestosterone. The hormone that causes the male prostate gland to divide its cells is called dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, this herb works well to shrink the prostate gland and aids in the treatment of symptoms related to benign prostatic enlargement.
- This herb has a wide range of antibacterial qualities. As so, it fortifies the body’s immune system. Additionally, it fortifies the body’s resistance to numerous viral and bacterial illnesses. The antifungal properties of these plants make them useful in the treatment of athlete’s foot.
Yashtimadhu, (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Benefits
Diabetes:
The powdered licorice root has glabridin, a strong phytoestrogenic component that gives the root its sweet flavor and is essential for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Upon consuming mulethi powder, the β-pancreatic cells begin to actively produce insulin. A sufficient amount of the powder also aids in controlling diabetes by lowering the rate at which starch is converted to glucose.
Antacid:
This plant works well as an antacid, lowering the amounts of HCL in your stomach. This lessens inflammation and stomach ulcers as a result. Additionally, it facilitates better digestion. Acute and chronic gastritis, a disease that causes inflammation of the stomach lining, may also be treated with Licorice powder.
Prevent Hair Fall:
The greatest herbal medicine or powder for women who experience excessive hair loss is Yashtimadhu. Its abundance in flavonoids and phytoestrogens plant components that enhance the health of the scalp and hair on the head—is the explanation.
Make the Skin Acne Free:
Controlling the skin’s oil production is part of yashtimadhu, as this is the primary cause of acne. Thus, acne-free skin can be achieved by taking Yashtimadhu on a regular basis under the guidance of a medical professional.
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Yashtimadhu, (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Side Effects
Muscle weakness:
Yashtimadhu can cause weariness and weakness by interfering with the muscles’ ability to operate normally.
Headache:
Some people may experience headaches after yashtimadhu.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women:
Pregnant or nursing women should not take Yashtimadhu due to insufficient evidence. It’s preferable to stay away from it completely.
Interaction with drugs:
Certain drugs, including diuretics, blood thinners, and cardiac medications, may interact with yashtimadhu. If you are taking any drugs, it is crucial to discuss them with your doctor before using Yashtimadhu.
Individuals with heart illness, kidney disease, or high blood pressure:
These ailments may get worse under Yashtimadhu.
Conclusion
Yashtimadhu is a traditional herbal treatment that has numerous health advantages. It is very important for treating heart problems, respiratory disorders, indigestion, ulcers, liver damage, and many skin and hair disorders. Yashtimadhu has several health benefits, and one of those benefits is that it helps relieve congestion and sore throats. One can avoid the adverse effects and take advantage of the many wellness benefits if they take the recommended dosage.
FAQS
Is Yashtimadhu Powder Effective for Hair Growth?
The increased blood flow that mulethi powder provides to the scalp and hair follicles may facilitate the creation of new hair. It also prevents premature graying of the hair, abrupt hair breaking, and hair loss.
Why is Yashtimadhu glycyrrhiza glabra used?
Ayurveda has always employed yashtimadhu to treat digestive and respiratory issues. It’s regarded as a “Rasayana”. In particular, mulethi is used to treat ulcers, persistent bronchial problems, and chronic acidity.
Does Yashtimadhu benefit the skin?
Yashtimadhu is a popular plant used in many Ayurvedic medicines to treat a wide range of ailments. Most significantly, though, is that it helps to leave skin clear of acne and radiant.
What adverse effects does Yashtimadhu have?
Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice may be harmful if taken long-term or in big doses. Consuming five grams or more of licorice every day for a few weeks can have serious adverse effects, such as a heart attack. It is more common in people with high blood pressure, kidney illness, and heart disease.