Mulethi, also known as mulethi churna is one such classical ayurvedic remedy that has a centuries-long repute of being the ultimate grandma’s remedy for cough and sore throat.
This traditional herb exhibits manifold benefits and is extensively used in several folk remedies and classical ayurvedic formulations to treat respiratory problems, obesity, skin infection, liver disorders, gastric problem, hormonal regulation, general debility, joint pain and many more. Also Read: Licorice, Sweet Deal for Various Ailments
The holistic science of Ayurveda terms this root powder as Yashtimadhu. Time and again this herbal root powder has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals for various indications which include Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Anulomana (improves breathing), Kashahara (Relieves cough), Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting), Vayasthapana (prevents ageing), Dahahara (relieves burning sensation), Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders), Prameha (manages diabetes), Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst), Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body), Balya (improves muscle strength), Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding), Pandu (treats anaemia), Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Kamala (prevents jaundice), Varnya (improves complexion), Amahara (treats indigestion), Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms), Jvara (useful in fever), Vrushya (acts as an aphrodisiac), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Chakushya (treats vision problems), Kanthya (improves voice), Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties), Arsha (treats piles), and Krichra (treats painful micturition).
How To Make Mulethi Powder At Home?
Ingredients:
20 parts of fresh mulethi roots
Method:
Cut the fresh roots from the mulethi plant.
Wash them properly with water to remove soil and other impurities.
Cut the roots into pieces and allow it to dry under direct sunlight.
Keep it under the sun for a week or so until there is no moisture left.
Ground the dried root in a grinder till it becomes a fine powder.
Air-dry the powder to remove any extra moisture.
Pass it through sieve no.100 to remove fine impurities.
Store it in cool places in airtight containers for future use.
Therapeutic Properties Of Mulethi:
Mulethi, clad by the vernacular names ‘Licorice’ in English, ‘Mulethi’ or ‘Jethimadhu’ in Hindi, ‘Atimadhuram’ in Tamil, ‘Yashtimadhukam’ in Telugu, and ‘Jestimadh’ in Marathi, it is one of the most common ayurvedic herbs, that is found in almost every Indian household and is often handed over to chew on whenever someone’s got a sore throat or a chest or nasal congestion.
Where Is Mulethi Found?
Mulethi, which goes by the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra comes from the Fabaceae family. The word ‘Glycyrrhiza’ is derived from the Greek term ‘glykos’ which means ‘sweet’ and the term ‘rhiza’ means ‘root’ and hence the name given to this plant is ‘sweet root’. Licorice is an herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to a height of 1 metre and is commonly found in the dry, hot, and sunny climates of Southern Europe, Asia, and most Indian regions. The plant has stoloniferous roots and green coloured pinnate leaves with 10-15 leaflets. The flowers of this sweet root plant are purple to whitish-blue and are conch shell-shaped. The plant bears oblong podded fruits that embed several small seeds.
Touted in Ayurveda as ‘Yashtimadhu’, the herb is so named as the word ‘Yashti’ infers to ‘wood’ and ‘Madhu’ means ‘honey’, together making it ‘honey-like wood’. Even though the herb is 40 to 50 times sweeter than sugar, it is an excellent remedy for regulating blood sugar. The distinct alluring aroma of mulethi root comes from the presence of a biochemical compound anethole whereas its signature sweet taste is due to the compound glycyrrhizin.
Ancient folk remedies depict the use of this root as a sexual vigour enhancer owing to its natural aphrodisiac nature. Famed as ‘Sarvarogaprashamani’ (i.e. medicine that cures all maladies), the herbal powder was widely recommended by ancient physicians to soldiers and warriors in order to improve their endurance and stamina. Apart from its plethora of curative benefits, the licorice root is quite popular in Middle Eastern and Asian cooking. For decades, the root powder has been used as a flavouring agent in candies and sweets.
How To Use Mulethi For Sore Throat and Cough?
Home Remedies Of Mulethi
- In case of respiratory troubles, prepare a mulethi decoction or kadha by boiling a few mulethi sticks in water. Take this ayurvedic kadha several times a day to cure cough and cold.
- In case of sore throat, chew on the mulethi root, so as to allow the juice from the roots reach the throat and hence get relief from irritating throat and hoarse voice.
- For treating cough and cold in kids, mix a spoon of mulethi powder and a spoonful of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and make your kids take this sweet tincture twice a day for getting relief.
- For nasal and chest congestion, make an ayurvedic decoction by boiling a few pieces of mulethi root, tulsi leaves, pudina leaves in water. Strain the mixture and drink the aqueous decoction by infusing it with a spoon of honey to open a blocked nose and reduce inflammation due to chest congestion.
Nutritional Facts And Chemical Composition:
The host of benefits this magic root, come from the buck load of nutrients embedded in it. The array of healthful nutrients includes vitamins, potassium, bioactive constituents like glycyrrhizin, anethole, sterols, tannins, flavonoids, biotin, resins, tannins, sucrose, iodine, saponins, niacin, isoflavones, chalcones, volatile oils, etc.
Thanks to the active constituent glycyrrhizin and its powerful adaptogenic, sedative, alexiteric, synergistic properties, the root powder of licorice provides an absolute answer to almost all health anomalies. It supplements the body with an adequate dose of antioxidants which helps one ward off several skin and scalp infections and flaunt a healthy, radiant skin and gorgeous tame.
Mulethi Benefits And Uses
Promotes Digestion:
Mulethi is an excellent digestive herb. The anti-flatulent property of the roots reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, bloating and abdominal distension. It also increases appetite, reduces indigestion and promotes better absorption of nutrients in the body higher concentration of fibre in the root powder, makes this a potent remedy for constipation and other digestive issues.
Remedies Respiratory Troubles:
Mulethi is considered to be a one-shot remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. Having powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, licorice plays a pivotal role in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also thins and slackens phlegm deposits within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. Daily intake of this herb strengthens the lung tissues and enhances lung health. Also Read: 5 Home Remedies To Soothe Sore Throat And Cough
- Mix 1 tbsp of mulethi powder along with pushkarmool powder and honey and infuse it in water. Take this kadha regularly to alleviate allergic asthmatic conditions.
- In case of sore throat, mix 1 tbsp of mulethi root powder, sitopaladi churna and honey in a glass of lukewarm water. Have this twice a day, to reduce coughing, inflammation and irritation of the throat.
Treats Gastritis:
The potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of glycyrrhizic acid help suppress the toxic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and also prevents it from growing in the gut. In the case of food poisoning, stomach ulcer or heartburn, the root powder soothes the stomach lining and restores the balance. Being a natural antacid, it reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which in turn decreases gastritis due to acidic irritation and peptic mucosa. Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health
Intake a mixture of mulethi powder, amla powder, coriander powder, giloy and nutgrass powder along with lukewarm water to get relief from gastritis.
Aids In Weight Loss:
The abundance of flavonoids in mulethi powder, helps the body shed excess weight faster. Being loaded with fibre and essential nutrients, when taken regularly, mulethi satiates the hunger pangs and prevents overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen. The powder also reduces the accumulation of LDL (i.e. Low-Density Lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) in the body, thereby improving metabolism and helping the body to maintain a proper weight. Also Read: Belly Fat Burners From Your Kitchen Shelf
Manages High Cholesterol
Touted as a rejuvenative cardio-tonic root, this ayurvedic herb efficiently diminishes the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, prevents the deposition of plaque in the blood vessels and also deters atherosclerosis (i.e. formation of hardened arteries due to deposition of debris), thus reducing risks of heart blocks, strokes and heart attacks.
What Is Mulethi Good For?
Mulethi For Ulcers:
The anti-inflammatory properties of mulethi powder hold high significance in treating different types of ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers etc. The bioactive compound carbenoxolone plays a crucial role in healing mouth and gastric ulcers. It also helps to speed up the healing process in the inflamed mucosal layer and reduce the risk of ulceration.
For Mouth Ulcer:
Gargle licorice water or tea to reduce pain and swelling
For Ulcerative Colitis:
Intake a mixture of mulethi powder, amla powder, vankshalochana powder, and giloy satva powder by infusing it with honey and water.
Mulethi For Diabetes:
The licorice root powder contains a potent phytoestrogenic compound called glabridin which not only imparts the sweet taste to the root but also plays a crucial role in assuaging the blood sugar levels of the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in the consumption of mulethi powder. Adequate dosage of the powder also helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose and hence manage diabetes.
Mulethi For Cognitive Abilities:
Mulethi is one such traditional remedy that has potent brain-boosting properties. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in the sweet root of the licorice plant improve the memory capacity, concentration, focus, calmness, and alertness of an individual. Being a potent Medhya Rasayana herb, mulethi improves memory power, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective elements in the plant prevent loss of memory and relieve the mind from stress and tension.
Take 2 grams of mulethi powder by infusing it in warm milk to improve memory power and prevent the risk of several psychotic diseases like epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Mulethi For Hormone Regulation
Mulethi is one such ayurvedic herb that is known for its influence on the adrenal glands. The phytoestrogenic bio-active substances in mulethi is also extremely beneficial in keeping the hormonal balance, battling menstrual cramps, and providing relief from mood swings, hot flashes, depression, insomnia, sweating etc during the menstrual cycle. Prescribed mulethi powder even helps new mom to regulate the hormones and increase the production and secretion of breast milk.
Mulethi For Immunity:
The enchanting ayurvedic herb holds high worth in improving the general stamina and energy level of the body. The bio-active ingredients in mulethi reduce general debility, weakness and fatigue and improve the vitality of the body. The anti-microbial property of mulethi helps to bolster immunity and shields the body from various microbial infections. It also improves the function of the liver, kidney and adrenal glands which in turn helps in reducing the stress levels.
Mulethi For Skin Augmentation:
A powerhouse of antioxidants and healthful nutrients, this rejuvenative herb acts as a key player in treating various skin issues. It efficiently scavenges free oxygen radicals from the body and diminishes oxidative damage. Being a vata-pitta pacifier, it flushes out the AMA toxins from the internal layers of the skin, promotes overall skin health and treats various skin infections like eczema, acne, pimples, rashes, boils, etc. When used in the form of cleanser, toner or spot correcting gels, it reduces hyperpigmentation and dark circles to leave behind a spotless glowing skin. Mulethi can be used in several ways for uplifting skin health.
- Mulethi in the form of oil, paste or gel when applied on eczema patches, provides a cool soothing sensation on the skin. It also helps in reducing itchiness, swelling, and redness in inflamed scratchy skin.
- Mix 1 tbsp each of amla and mulethi powder with a spoonful of rosewater or milk and apply it all over your face. Use this face pack on alternate days to improve the radiance of your skin.
- In the case of oily skin, it is best to apply a face mask of a paste of mulethi powder and red sandalwood powder along with rose water to control excess secretion of sebum.
- In case of dry skin, add 10 drops of Kumkumadi tailam in 2 tbsp of mulethi powder and smother it evenly on your face to improve complexion, and reduce blemishes and spots.
Mulethi For Hair Woes:
Mulethi powder plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth. It effectively increases blood circulation in the scalp and hair follicles, which in turn enriches the roots by bringing in more nutrients through the blood supply and help new hair growth. Ayurveda strongly suggests that the regular intake of mulethi not only cures baldness but also prevents premature greying, sudden hair fall and different types of scalp infections.
Mix 2 tbsp each of mulethi, haritaki, henna, reetha powder in water. Add 1 tbsp of almond oil and castor oil to it. Apply this hair pack evenly onto your scalp and then shampoo your hair. Do it once a week to promote hair growth and prevent premature greying and loss of hair. Also Read: Kitchen Remedies To Treat Your Grey Hair Problem
Mulethi For Liver
Imbued with anti-inflammatory properties, mulethi hold high significance in treating liver anomalies like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver damage, hepatitis and jaundice. It also helps in soothing the liver and and promotes liver functions. Have a cup of mulethi tea every morning to purify the liver and fortify it against infections.
How To Make Mulethi Tea?
Mulethi Tea
Ingredients:
1 piece of mulethi root
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp of tea leaves of choice
1 tbsp milk
Sugar as per taste
Method:
Boil water in a large pan.
Add the piece of mulethi root and ginger to it.
Simmer it for 5 minutes.
Add the tea leaves and again simmer for 5 minutes.
Add milk and sugar as taste.
Boil it for a minute and filter the tea.
Enjoy a cup of tasty mulethi chai.
Mulethi For Oral health
Blessed with strong anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, Mulethi actively participates to reduce the growth of bacteria within the oral cavities and helps in combatting bad breath, reducing plaque, preventing tooth cavities, and keeping the gums and teeth healthy and strong.
You can brush the teeth using dry mulethi powder or just have a glassful of mulethi water in the morning to uplift dental health.
How To Make Mulethi Water?
Mulethi Water
Ingredients:
1tbsp Mulethi powder
Pinch of lemon juice
Method:
Warm a glass of water.
Soak the mulethi powder the mulethi powder in it overnight.
Next morning, warm the mulethi-infused water again.
Add a pinch of lemon juice for taste.
Have it in an empty stomach.
Effect On Doshas
Mother Nature sanctifies this herb with Madhura Rasa (i.e. sweet taste) and Guru (i.e. heavy) and Snigdha Guna (i.e. unctuous quality). It intrinsically portrays Shita Virya (i.e. cold potency) and Madhura Vipaka (i.e. sweet metabolic taste). Being heavy and unctuous, it has an antagonistic effect towards Vata (i.e. air) Doshas whereas having a sweet metabolic taste and cold potency helps the herb to pacify the Pitta (i.e. fire and air) Doshas. Due to its effect on the doshas, The Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia of India mentions this herb as one of the Medhya Rasayana herbs that has a strong rejuvenative effect on the body and also helps to improve memory and intellectual capabilities. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Therapeutic Dosage:
The precise healing dosage of mulethi powder may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient. One must consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner, as he or she will thoroughly examine the indications and prescribe the effective dosage for the specific time period.
The minimum therapeutic dosage may range between 1-3 grams for adults, twice daily infused in lukewarm water or milk, before meals or as advised by the doctor.
Side Effects:
Although this magical root, is a remedy for all health anomalies, it is not suggested to be taken on a regular basis unless recommended by the doctor.
Without proper consultation, overdosage of mulethi powder may cause bloating or water retention in the body by reducing potassium and spiking sodium levels in the body. Excessive intake of this powder can even lead to hyper-mineralocorticoidism, which in turn causes moderate hypertension and hypertensive encephalopathy.
It is strictly advised not to take mulethi powder during pregnancy or breastfeeding without doctor’s knowledge as it can cause preterm delivery in pregnant women and can lead to abnormal allergic effects in the new-born baby as the medicine may get secreted through breast milk.
Mulethi/Licorice Powder: Benefits, Uses, Ingredients, Method, Dosage and Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Consume Mulethi In Food?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to consume mulethi or liquorice in food. Mulethi root extract is utilized primarily as a flavouring agent for candies, baked goods, chewing gums, ice creams, and even soft drinks due to its sweet taste. Even the United States Food and Drug Association, the Council of Europe, and the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additive authorise the usage of mulethi extract and glycyrrhizin in foods.
Can You Use Mulethi As A Sweetener?
The main constituent Glycyrrhizin in mulethi root is 50 times sweeter than sucrose. Therefore, it can very well be used as a sweetener.
Does Mulethi Help Boost Male Fertility?
According to Ayurveda, Mulethi showcases strong Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Vajikaran (aphrodisiac) traits that chiefly help in improving male fertility and boosting libido.
Can You Use Mulethi Powder For Hair Growth?
Mulethi powder boosts blood circulation in the scalp and hair follicles, which might help in the growth of new hair. It also stops hair fall, and sudden hair breakage and arrests premature greying of hair.
How To Store Mulethi Powder?
Mulethi powder should be stored in a cool, dry place. But after opening the container, store the powder in airtight containers. It must also be ensured that the powder is not stored in an extremely cold environment as it can lose its moisture and solidify.
In case the mulethi powder develops a distinct flavour, a characteristic odour or a different appearance, it should be disposed of immediately.
Conclusion
Mulethi is a classical herbal remedy blessed with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in treating indigestion, ulcers, cardiac problems, respiratory issues, liver damages, and several skin and hair woes. The widespread health benefits of mulethi are extremely beneficial in providing relief from sore throat and congestion. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the countless wellness incentives.
