Ayurvedic Herbs
Yashtimadhu (mulethi) in Ayurveda: Benefits, Uses, and Healing Secrets
Yashtimadhu, also known as Licorice or Mulethi, is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbs.Most common use that people know about Mulethi is in cough or sore throat.But there are multiple uses of Yashtimadhu or Mulethi in Ayurveda .Its multifaceted benefits make it a key herb in various Ayurvedic formulations and therapies. Properties of Yashtimadhu- Mulethi is called Glycyrrhiza glabra scientifically. The active components of Mulethi, primarily glycyrrhizin(compound in the roots of Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties), are concentrated in its root. It also contains Flavonoids(supporting heart and skin health),Saponins(Known for their immune-boosting abilities),Phytoestrogens(These plant-based compounds support hormonal balance) Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet)Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous)Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): MadhuraEffect on Doshas: Pacifies Vata and Pitta Key Benefits of Yashtimadhu- 1.Natural Sun Protection & Skin Healer- In Charak Samhita Yashtimadhu is included in Varnayakar mahakashay(group of herbs beneficial for enhancing complexion, improving skin tone, and promoting skin health).It can be used as mukhlepam by mixing yashtimadhu churn with honey ,gulabjal,curd for healthy and glowing skin. 2.Respiratory Support- It acts as an expectorant and soothes the throat,helps relieve cough, bronchitis, asthma, and hoarseness. 3.Digestive Health- Due to its pittshamak property it reduces acidity, gastritis, and ulcers,Heals inflamed stomach lining,useful in peptic ulcers . 4.Anti-inflammatory & Healing- Promotes wound healing, both internally and externally. 5.Stress Relief and Memory Booster- Yashtimadhu acts as a potent Medhya Rasayana—a brain and memory rejuvenator.Helps combat mental fatigue, anxiety, and stress.Acharya Charaka classifies Yashtimadhu among the four primary Medhya Rasayanas, which are renowned for enhancing cognitive and neurological functions. 6.Hormonal Balance- Hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss, mood swings, and irregular cycles in women. Yashtimadhu contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that naturally support hormonal balance and can give relief in these symptoms. Ayurvedic References of Yashtimadhu- यष्टीमधु मधुरा स्निग्धा शीतवीर्य्या रसायनी | वातकफापहा पित्तघ्नी च कान्त्या चाक्षुष्या ||Charaka Samhita Yashtimadhu is sweet, unctuous, cooling, rejuvenating, pacifies Vata and Pitta, good for throat, and enhances vision. Varnya Mahakashaya (Complexion-enhancing group): मधुकं मांसी सरिवा चन्दनं पद्मकं तथा | नीलोत्पलं उत्तमं चैव तगरं कुस्तुम्बुरुं तथा || एते द्रव्याणि वर्ण्याख्ये प्रसिद्धानि महाकशायेषु ||Charaka Sutrasthana, Chapter 4 "Madhukaḥ" also know as yashtimadhu is mentioned in this sloka— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 4/10 यष्टिमधुका मेध्या च बल्या च रसायनी ||—Charak Samhita 1/3 Yashtimadhu is Classified as a Medhya Rasayana, Enhances memory, intellect, and overall brain function, Acts as a rejuvenator (Rasayana) मधुरा गुरु शीता च कान्त्या वर्ण्या रसायनी | त्वच्या कृच्छ्रातीसारघ्नी शोफकुष्ठकफापहा |Bhavaprakasha Nighantu Yashtimadhu is kantya, varnya, rasayana, useful in krichchha (difficulty in swallowing), atisara, etc. Use of Yashtimadhu Churn for Sore Throat - Warm Water Decoction (Kwath): Method: Boil 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu Churna in 1 glass (200–250 ml) of water until it reduces to half.Usage: Gargle with this lukewarm decoction 2–3 times a day.Benefit: Soothes throat inflammation and reduces pain. Conclusion- Yashtimadhu is a versatile Ayurvedic herb that brings sweet healing to the body and mind. Whether you are looking to soothe your throat, calm your gut, balance hormones, or rejuvenate your skin, Yashtimadhu offers gentle yet powerful support. Integrating this time-tested remedy into your routine—with expert advice—can unlock its full healing potential.
Read moreAyurvedic Herbs
Bhuiamlaki in Ayurveda: A Natural Healer for Liver and Beyond
In today’s era, liver disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyle habits such as poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, overuse of medications, and exposure to environmental toxins. Conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, jaundice, and cirrhosis are affecting people at a younger age. In Ayurveda, Bhuiamlaki (Phyllanthus niruri) is highly revered for its potent hepatoprotective action. Known as “Liver’s Guardian,” it helps detoxify the liver, supports bile secretion, and restores liver functions. In classical Ayurvedic texts, it is used in treating conditions like kamala (jaundice), prameha (diabetes), mutrakrichra (painful urination), and even krimi roga (worm infestations). With its wide-ranging therapeutic uses, Bhuiamlaki truly stands out as a multipurpose herb in Ayurvedic medicine. What is Bhuiamlaki? Bhuiamlaki is a small, erect, annual herb that typically grows up to 30–60 cm in height. It is commonly found growing as a weed in tropical and subtropical regions, especially during the rainy season. Scientific Name: Phyllanthus niruriFamily: Phyllanthaceae (formerly classified under Euphorbiaceae)Common Names: Bhuiamlaki (Hindi/Sanskrit), Stonebreaker (English),Bhumyamalaki (Ayurvedic) Ayurvedic Properties of BhuiamlakiRasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent) Dosha Effect:Bhuiamlaki pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas Karmukta (Therapeutic Actions) of Bhuiamlaki: Yakrituttejaka (Liver stimulant),Pittashamak (Pacifies Pitta dosha),Mutrala (Diuretic),Krimighna (Anthelmintic),Jwaraghna (Antipyretic),Raktaprasadaka (Blood purifier),Pramehaghna (Anti-diabetic),Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory),Rasayana (Rejuvenative),Aamapachaka (Digestive toxin eliminator. Benefits of Bhuiamlaki 1.Liver Protection & Detoxification- Bhumi Amla helps in managing liver disorders and reverses any damage caused to the liver due to its hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antiviral activities. It helps regenerate damaged liver cells. It is used in conditions like: Jaundice (Kamala) Hepatitis Fatty liver Cirrhosis , and other liver disorders 2. Kidney Stone and Urinary Tract Health- Bhuiamlaki is famously known as “stone breaker” as it reduces the risk of kidney stone formation due to its diuretic property. It does so by promoting the removal of salts (mainly oxalate crystals) that are responsible for the formation of kidney stones. It promotes healthy urine flow and helps in managing: Urinary tract infections (UTI) Renal stones Burning micturition 3. Supports Digestion,Manages Acidity- Its bitter and astringent qualities help improve agni (digestive fire), reduce ama (toxins) ,and pittshamak action reduces acidity and treat: Indigestion Hyperacidity Loss of appetite Worm infestation 4.Manages Blood Sugar (Anti-Diabetic) It might also be beneficial for diabetics as it helps manage blood sugar levels due to its tikta (bitter) and kashay property.It stimulates GLUT-4 translocation in muscle and fat tissues, enhancing peripheral glucose utilization.Bhuiamalki may help protect pancreatic β-cells, responsible for insulin production, especially in Type 2 Diabetes. 5. Antiviral & Antimicrobial Action Research shows Bhuiamlaki has strong antiviral properties, especially effective against Hepatitis B virus, HIV, and Herpes simplex virus. Its extract inhibits viral replication and boosts the body’s defense. 6. Acts as Blood Purifier (Raktashodhak) Since vitiated Pitta is a major cause of blood impurity (Rakta Dushti), Bhuiamalki plays a vital role in correcting blood disorders through its pittshamak action.Liver is the primary site of blood purification, Bhuiamalki indirectly purifies blood by enhancing liver function and bile flow.Hence Bhuiamlaki supports healthy skin by clearing impurities that lead to acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. 7.Anticancer activity An extract of of Phyllanthus Amarus treatment exhibited potent anticarcinogenic activity against 20-methylcholanthrene induced sarcoma development and increased the survival of tumour harboring mice, antitumour and anticancer activity may be related with the inhibition of metabolic activation of carcinogen as well as the inhibition of cell cycle regulators and DNA repair Classical References of Bhuiamlaki in Ayurvedic Texts- भूम्यामलकी तिक्ता कषाया शीतला लघु रसायनी | यकृत्गात्रानिलाघ्नी च पित्तास्रजित् विशेषतः ||Bhavaprakasha Nighantu Bhuiamlaki is bitter and astringent in taste, cooling and light in quality, acts as a rasayana (rejuvenative), is beneficial for the liver and body pains, and especially effective in disorders of pitta and blood impurities. भूम्यामलकी तिक्ता कषाया शीतला लघु शुभा | पित्तास्रकृमिप्रशमाद् यकृद्रोगेषु विश्रुता ||Raja Nighantu It is bitter, astringent, and cooling, with light properties. It is well known for pacifying Pitta, blood vitiation, and worms, and is especially famous in liver disorders. Conclusion In today’s world, where liver disorders, urinary infections, and metabolic imbalances are increasingly common, Bhuiamlaki offers a safe, natural, and holistic remedy. Bhuiamlaki is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for liver health, detoxification, and kidney care. Whether you’re dealing with jaundice, indigestion, or kidney stones, this rasayana offers holistic healing that is both gentle and effective. Embrace the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and let Bhuiamlaki support your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.
Read more
