Jastimadhu (Liquorice) and Its Uses

Botanically, Jastimadhu is called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a tall erect herb that may rise up to 1.5 m high. Leaves are compound containing leaflets in 4 to 7 pairs.The flowers are like lilac, small, the fruits are 1.3 cm long, flat, densely covered all over with small spinous outgrowths.

The rootstock gives numerous additional roots. The dried roots and underground stems of this plant constitute the drug. Liquorice is a house-hold remedy for coughs and cold, bronchitis, fevers, abdominal pains, consumption and epilepsy.

It is also giving in urinary and kidney disorders.The powder or small pieces of the drug are commonly taken with betel leaves. Liquorices is largely used in making syrup. It is also useful in Gastric or peptic ulcers.

* Dr. Ram Bahadur Bohara is the Chairman of the of Nepal Alternative Medical Development Council and Advisor of Science Infotech.