🌱 Introduction: Why Mulethi is a Hidden Health Treasure
When it
comes to natural remedies, few herbs are as versatile and
time-tested as Mulethi (also known as Licorice root or
Yashtimadhu). 🌿 With its naturally sweet taste
and powerful medicinal compounds, mulethi has been cherished in Ayurveda,
Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
But what
makes this humble root so powerful? The answer lies in its unique
composition—particularly a compound called glycyrrhizin, which
gives mulethi its sweetness and most of its therapeutic benefits.
From soothing
sore throats 🤒 to balancing
hormones in women 🌸, to supporting stress
management 🧘, mulethi proves itself to be a
gentle yet potent herbal ally. However, while mulethi offers a range of
benefits, it also comes with a few side effects when overused.
🌿 What is Mulethi (Yashtimadhu)?
Mulethi,
scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a sweet-tasting
perennial herb found in Asia and Europe. Its roots are
the most widely used part, packed with glycyrrhizin, flavonoids,
isoflavonoids, tannins, saponins, and antioxidants.
🌸 Traditional Uses:
- In Ayurveda, mulethi is called Yashtimadhu,
meaning “sweet root.”
- In Unani medicine, it is used for respiratory
health and liver detox.
- In Chinese medicine, it is known as Gan Cao,
often used in herbal formulations for its harmonizing effect.
Mulethi can
be consumed in different forms: sticks, dried powder, teas, syrups, and
tablets.
🍃 Nutritional Value of Mulethi
Although
not a rich source of conventional vitamins and minerals, mulethi is packed
with bioactive compounds that provide therapeutic effects.
|
Nutrient/Compound |
Approximate Content |
|
Glycyrrhizin |
5–24% (main active compound) |
|
Flavonoids |
Present |
|
Isoflavonoids |
Present |
|
Saponins |
Present |
|
Tannins |
Present |
|
Glabridin (antioxidant) |
Trace |
|
Fibre |
Moderate |
|
Protein |
Low |
|
Calories |
Very low |
✅ Key Insight: The glycyrrhizin compound
is responsible for most mulethi benefits, especially respiratory
health, digestive support, and stress management.
🌍 Mulethi Names in Different
Languages
To make it
easier to recognize, here’s how mulethi is known across India and globally:
|
Language |
Name |
|
Sanskrit |
Yashtimadhu |
|
Hindi |
Mulethi |
|
Tamil |
Athimadhuram |
|
Telugu |
Yashtimadhuka |
|
Malayalam |
Irattimadhuram |
|
Kannada |
Jeshtamadhu |
|
Bengali |
Josthimodhu |
|
Marathi |
Jeshthamadh |
|
Urdu |
Mulethi |
|
Gujarati |
Jethimadh |
🌟 Top 5 Amazing Mulethi Benefits
Now let’s
explore the five major health benefits of mulethi and how it
supports your body naturally.
1️⃣ Supports Respiratory Comfort
🫁
Mulethi
acts as a natural expectorant, which means it helps loosen
mucus and phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
✔️ Relieves cough and sore throat
✔️ Soothes respiratory
irritation
✔️ Useful in asthma,
bronchitis, and seasonal colds
💡 Pro Tip: Drinking mulethi
tea with tulsi and ginger provides faster relief from congestion.
2️⃣ Eases Digestive Discomfort 🍵
If you
suffer from acidity, bloating, or gastritis, mulethi can help calm
your stomach.
✔️ Protects stomach lining
✔️ Regulates acid levels
✔️ Reduces bloating and
indigestion
This is
why mulethi powder is often used in Ayurvedic
digestive tonics.
3️⃣ Balances Hormones &
Supports Women’s Health 🌸
Mulethi is
particularly valuable for women’s hormonal health.
✔️ Supports adrenal glands
✔️ Reduces PMS &
menstrual cramps
✔️ Balances cortisol
(stress hormone)
It is often
recommended for PCOS management in Ayurveda.
4️⃣ Promotes Skin Clarity ✨
Mulethi is
a natural skin soother and brightener.
✔️ Reduces redness and inflammation
✔️ Helps lighten
pigmentation
✔️ Calms acne-prone skin
💡 DIY Skin Pack: Mix mulethi
powder with rose water and apply as a face mask for clear skin.
5️⃣ Helps in Stress Management 🧘
Mulethi is
considered an adaptogen—a natural substance that helps your body
adapt to stress.
✔️ Balances cortisol levels
✔️ Improves energy &
mental clarity
✔️ Fights fatigue
Perfect for
those who feel mentally exhausted or emotionally drained.
🍵 How to Use Mulethi Safely?
Here are
some popular ways to use mulethi:
- Mulethi Tea: Boil
a stick or ½ teaspoon of powder in hot water for 5–7 minutes.
- Throat Soother: Mix
¼ teaspoon of mulethi powder with honey.
- Skin Care Pack: Mix
mulethi powder with rose water/honey and apply to the skin.
- Herbal Blends: Combine
mulethi with ginger, tulsi, or cardamom for added
benefits.
- Capsules/Tablets: Available
in Ayurvedic stores (always check dosage).
⚠️ Note: Always use in moderation—long-term
daily use without medical advice is not recommended.
⚠️ Side Effects of Mulethi
While
mulethi has numerous benefits, overuse may cause side effects:
❌ Raises Blood Pressure – Glycyrrhizin can cause water
retention.
❌ Lowers Potassium Levels –
May lead to muscle weakness.
❌ Hormonal Impact –
Overuse can disturb hormonal balance.
❌ Medication Interactions –
May interfere with BP drugs, steroids, diuretics.
❌ Not for Long-Term Use –
Daily prolonged use without supervision is unsafe.
👉 If you’re pregnant, hypertensive, or on
long-term medication, consult your doctor before use.
📌 FAQs on Mulethi
Q1: Can we consume mulethi daily?
Occasional use is fine, but daily use should be supervised.
Q2: What is mulethi used for?
For soothing sore throat, aiding digestion, balancing hormones, and
relieving stress.
Q3: Is mulethi cooling or heating?
Mulethi is cooling in nature—helps balance excess heat in the
body.
Q4: Who should avoid mulethi?
People with high BP, kidney issues, or pregnancy should avoid
it.
✅ Conclusion
Mulethi is
a versatile herb with proven benefits for respiratory
health, digestion, skin, hormones, and stress management. 🌿 While its healing power is undeniable,
mindful usage is key to avoiding side effects.
👉 If used wisely in moderation, mulethi
can become your natural ally for better health and wellness.
📖 Source Links
- NCBI – Licorice Root Benefits
- Ayush Ministry – Mulethi in Ayurveda
- Healthline – Licorice Root Uses
- WebMD – Licorice Side Effects
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not a
substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before
starting any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or
on medication.
