Yastimadhu {Glycerrhiza glabra}
Yastimadhu also know as Liquorice balances Vata and Pitta
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Good for pacifying Vata and Pitta
- Taste – Sweet
- Energetics – Cooling
- Main Traditional Action: Rasayana, nerve and eye tonic
- Other Traditional Uses: Useful for many respiratory disorders, increases the appetite by facilitating proper evacuation of stools, improves complexion, good for voice and throat , and as an antispasmodic it is used to treat intestinal disorders
Modern Research
There are a wide variety of studies on this herb and its components looking at its antigenotoxic , immune and antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective and anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects, antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties, antifungal, antiobesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory antimicrobial, and anticancer, antifibrotic effects, its potential as a neuroprotective, hypocholesterolaemic, and hepatoprotective agent, and it ability to improve learning and memory. The compound glycyrrhizic acid, found in Yastimadhu, is now routinely used throughout Japan for the treatment and control of chronic viral hepatitis, and recent studies indicate that glycyrrhizic acid disrupts latent Kaposi’s sarcoma (as also demonstrated with other herpesvirus infections in the active stage), exhibiting a strong anti-viral effect.Yastimadhu contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens) which affects the body’s endocrine system. It also inhibits Helicobacter pylori, and is used as an aid for healing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in moderate amounts may soothe an upset stomach.