Mulethi (liquorice/licorice Root) for Health- A Catalogue of the benefits of Mulethi 

Popular food and medicine in many cultures around the world, it is known as  “the healer of the throat”. Many species of liquorice root exist. The ones most commonly used for medicinal purposes are sweet, or “sour”, liquorice roots from the genus Glycyrrhiza, which grow throughout much of Europe and Asia. The red-coloured root has a distinctive smell and a strong, acrid taste that can be more subtle in some varieties than others. Mulethi is a root vegetable used for medicinal and culinary purposes as a flavouring agent.

The term ‘mulethi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word Mula meaning root and sthithi meaning eating. Mulethi has a very bitter taste and a spicy aroma, which makes it unappealing to most people. However, this bitterness can be turned into an advantage if the right processes are followed while processing the root vegetable.

The root of the mulethi plant contains several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains certain phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, and ferulic acid which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

India is the biggest producer of Mulethi (liquorice root) in the world. But it has only a few uses. In India, Mulethi is mainly used as chewing gum, throat freshener, and for making sweets like ‘Gulab Jamun. It is also used to treat diabetes, constipation, and swelling in the feet. Also, research suggests that one can reduce their chances of getting cancers if they consume liquorice once a week.

Liquorice root, popularly known as mulethi, is a member of the licorice family. Its plant is highly regarded in ancient Ayurvedic texts and has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Although it’s still not entirely clear how this herb works, it is believed to help improve digestive health, strengthen the immune system, and even reduce blood sugar levels.

A catalogue of Health & Skin benefits

Mulethi is a herb that has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. It helps with weight loss, cholesterol levels, digestion and immunity.

Some of the health benefits of Mulethi are:

• Helps to reduce weight & and obesity by increasing the metabolism. 

• Helps lower cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. 

• Helps with digestion by relieving constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, dysentery and other gastrointestinal problems. 

• Prevents infection from viruses like influenza or common colds.

It helps improve memory and concentration. 

• It lowers blood pressure levels. 

• It has antioxidant properties that help prevent damage caused by free radicals.

• It helps prevent heartburn & disease by preventing platelet aggregation (blood clots) and regulating blood pressure. 

• It helps fight infections by killing off harmful bacteria and viruses. 

• Reduces wrinkles by reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and neck area.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce joint pain and swelling. 

•Relieving pain in rheumatic conditions such as arthritis or sciatica. 

• Relieving toothache by applying it on the gums before bedtime strengthening oral health.

•Mulethi powder is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine that is used to treat a variety of skin ailments such as allergies, acne, eczema, and psoriasis

•Mulethi helps with bronchitis, bronchitis in children, cold and coughing. It is a very effective herbal medicine for bronchitis and can be used in combination with many other benefits of the herb. Mulethi being a tonic also keeps your body healthy by reducing inflammation from diseases that cause it e.g., respiratory tract disorders such as asthma or lung cancer etc…

•The acidity in the stomach is caused by hydrochloric acid and it makes you feel uncomfortable. It acts as a digestive aid, which helps break down food when we take it into our mouth. Glycyrrhizin is one acidity that can help lower blood glucose levels to control diabetes and hypertension. Carbenoxolone has antimicrobial activity, so it fights bacteria infections (read: 6 beneficial mushrooms) but at the same time kills harmful pathogens such as fungi, parasites.

•Mulethi is a very popular herb used in Ayurveda to relieve menstrual cramps. The amino acid L-Theanine, present only in the tea leaf of mulethi, prevents cramps caused by overactive uterus muscles and helps women suffering from this condition. Mulethi extract improves liver function too (due to the presence of P-Vitamin B6), after which it can be used for treating menstrual cramps owing to its antispasmodic properties

Types of Liquorice powders

The following are the different types of liquorice powder remedies:

1. Sweet Liquorice Powder- is often used to help people who have been experiencing depression, anxiety, or mood swings. It also helps treat migraines and other conditions related to brain function and blood flow.

2. Sour Liquorice Powder– this remedy is helpful for those who have experienced insomnia, as it can provide relief from nervousness and tension. 

3. Chocolate Liquorice Powder– this type of liquorice powder can be used in place of sugar when baking desserts or making smoothies for a sweet taste without any additional calories or fat content added into them. 

4. Ginger & Cinnamon & Clove & Cardamom Spiced Liquorice Powder- this type of supplement is most effective for treating the pain associated with inflammation, arthritis, and toothache due to its anti-inflammatory properties that relieve swelling and reduce pain sensations.

Homemade Mulethi drinks as a cure

To get rid of various diseases, a few effective home remedies that use mulethi as a cure are:

1. Mulethi for Fever

Mulethi is the most popular herb used in Ayurveda for treating fever. You can use it by boiling some mulethi leaves in water and then drinking it to get relief from fever.

2. Mulethi for Headache

You can mix some ground black pepper with mulethi powder and then apply this mixture on your forehead to get relief from headache pain. 

3. Mulethi for Dandruff 

You can add about one teaspoon of sesame oil in about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and then massage your scalp with this mixture to remove dandruff.

4. Mulethi water with black pepper and honey can be used for throat troubles

It is a great remedy for the common cold, flu, sore throat and other minor ailments.

Why is Mulethi/Liquorice Powder consumed during winters?

The main theory is that liquorice was traditionally used as a medicine and could help the body fight against viruses like influenza, colds, and sore throats. Another theory is that it helps with digestion. It can also be used as a digestive aid for those who have stomach ulcers or gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has anti-viral properties which may help prevent illness during the winter months when more viruses are circulating in the air.

•Mulethi drink for Regular Winters

1- Boil 3 cups of water. 

2- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to it. 

3- Pour in 10 grams of liquorice powder and stir it well with a spoon until dissolved. 

4- Keep stirring till the mixture starts to thicken into a syrup-like consistency. 

5- Pour this syrup into an empty container that has been covered with foil or cling film on top and refrigerate overnight.

•Mulethi Tea

It is due to its expectorant and bronchodilator properties that mulethi tea can cure conditions like cough, asthma and also reduce the effects of chronic asthma. If you want to avoid chewing on mulethi sticks, you can mix ginger juice with mulethi tea to smooth asthma and bronchial infection 

Mulethi is a very nutritious food that tastes sweet and delicious. Its consumption helps in improving the immunity of one’s body against diseases by generating macrophages and lymphocytes which are responsible for controlling the infections. Also, mulethi has emollient properties owing to which it softens and moisturizes your skin making you look younger than before. 

Mulethi powder is a daily kitchen ingredient utilized in a mixture of turmeric, ginger, cumin, pepper, and garlic in various Indian cultures.  It is a traditional Indian spice blend that has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy in Ayurveda. However, it should be taken with caution because it can cause harm if taken excessively.

Regular consumption of mulethi also helps to reduce insulin levels in diabetic patients. Excessive use of mulethi powder can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Therefore consuming it not more than twice or thrice a week is recommended by the Ayurveda Experts.

Blog Conclusion: Mulethi is a natural herb that has been used for many years to promote good health. It’s also known as Indian rhubarb and has been used by the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries.

Mulethi has liver-protective effects. Mulethi is an effective agent for the treatment of fatty liver and liver damage conditions, especially Non Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The benefits of mulethi include reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction.

Mulethi is a non-toxic herb for boosting immunity. It contains many vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients such as iron, calcium, and manganese which are needed to maintain good health. Mulethi enhances immunity by keeping the body healthy & preventing diseases do you know that dairy products have a lot of medicinal values? they help your immunity system by boosting it!

Its health benefits include reducing inflammation, supporting healthy digestion, promoting better sleep, and improving the immune system. For these reasons, it’s a perfect addition to your daily routine!