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The Ultimate Guide to Mulethi (Licorice) Benefits, Uses, and Yashtimadhu Powder (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Writer's picture: Dr. G K Tara Jayasri MD(Ayu)Dr. G K Tara Jayasri MD(Ayu)

Updated: Dec 6, 2024


Yastimadhu /Licorice is a sweet deal for all your ailments 

Yastimadhu /Licorice is a sweet deal for all your ailments 

Often referred to as healer root, this tiny root is a key player with extensive health benefits 

Prompted in ayurveda as yasti madhu, it refers to ‘yasti’ – ‘wood’ and ‘madhu ‘– ‘sweet’ , together it makes honey-like wood 

It goes with the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra belonging to the Fabaceae family, and is a hard leguminous undershrub. The cardinal portion is the root which mimics a sweet candy

Despite its sweet taste, this herb serves as an excellent remedy for alleviating diabetes 

This captivating aroma  and sweet taste come from its biochemical compounds anethole and glycyrrhizin respectively

Centuries long this has been a homemade remedy to clear the sore throat from pockets of grandma

Ancient folk remedies claim this root to be aphrodisiac and have been using it to improve sexual vigor. It was even used for soldiers and warriors to improve their stamina and endurance in  war fields

In addition to its myriads of health benefits, it is also used as a flavoring agent for candies 

Whether it may be to ease a cough, or it may be to alleviate gastric discomfort, this tiny tot offers a soothing remedy on a tumultuous day 

This traditional energy pomp is a part of many classical ayurvedic preparations aimed at healing respiratory issues, obesity, skin infections, liver disorders, gastritis, hormonal imbalance, general debility, joint inflammation, boosting libido, augmenting voice complexion, eye infections, impaired cognition, etc.


Ayurvedic energetic

An array of unique properties such as Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), and Madhura (sweet) harmoniously work to balance the Vata-Pitta dosha, promoting balance and vigor within our bodies.

Ayurvedic energies 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 aging), 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 anemia), Sangrahini (treats diarrhea), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Kamala (prevents jaundice), Varnya (improves complexion), Amahara Mulethi, also known for treating indigestion, soothes the stomach lining. 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).

 

Chemical Composition of Mulethi/ Licorice

Roots contain glycyrrhizin, asparagin, sugar, starch, acid resin, gum, mucilage, phosphoric, sulfuric & malic acids. The bark contains a small quantity of tannins.

 

Now let's catch up on the essence of this root 

·       Digestive Disorders

Known for its Rasayana properties, mulethi is specifically included in formulations given for chronic acidity, ulcers, and chronic bronchitis. Owing to its anti-flatulent properties, this root reduces gas formation and helps in relieving bloatedness and abdominal distention. It helps  to increase the absorption of nutrients and offers a potent remedy for relieving constipation.

·       Remedy for respiratory distress

Being rich in anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, mulethi offers a one-shot remedy for treating common cold, cough, and flu symptoms.It loosens the thick phlegm and facilitates easy breathing 

Daily intake of this herb strengthens the lung tissues and enhances lung health. 

·         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.

·         Fortifies mental health

Yashtimadhu, also known as mulethi, enhances skin radiance.  acts as a natural anti-stress agent that helps regulate cortisol levels, encouraging tranquillity and reducing anxiety. Including licorice root in your daily diet, helps in controlling stress hormones, and reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. This exceptional root enhances cognitive functions, improving memory and concentration, thus serving as a remarkable brain tonic.

Being a medhya rasayana herb, the powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in the sweet root of the licorice plant improve 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.

·         Manages hypercholestremia

Renowned as  a cardio tonic root, mulethi is very effective in lowering levels of LDL and triglycerides, inhibits the formation of plaques in vessels, and can stop atherosclerosis, thereby reducing  cardiovascular disease risks

·       Boosts Immunity

The bioactive ingredients of mulethi help the body  Yashtimadhu powder aids in boosting stamina and managing bad cholesterol levels.  and also to alleviate general debility and fatigue. Being anti-bacterial it helps your body from being affected by any infections.It also improves the function of the liver, kidney, and adrenal glands which in turn helps in reducing stress levels.

·       Maintains liver health

Endowed with potent anti-inflammatory properties,mulethi plays a pivotal role in addressing nonalcoholic liver diseases, liver damage, hepatitis, and jaundice 

 

Have a cup of mulethi tea every morning to purify the liver and fortify it against infections.

·       Regulates Blood Sugar Level

The essential phytoestrogen compound named glabridin which offers a sweet taste to mulethi plays an essential role in regulating sugar levels in the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in the consumption of mulethi powder. 


Prevents Skin from Sun Damage and wrinkles

The component in mulethi, glabridin is highly effective for skin and treats sunburns.It's a powerhouse of antioxidants and can efficiently scavenge free oxygen radical from the body and diminish oxidative damage. It can balance vata and pitta and can help to remove the black blemishes from the skin 

 

·         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.

 

Precautions and Concerns while using Licorice

Excess use of Mulethi can lead to hyper mineralocorticoids which can impact the blood pressure levels adversely affecting the heart, kidney causing muscle weakness and fatigue 

 Being a diuretic, it can cause uterine contraction leading to an increased risk of preterm labor. So pregnant ladies are not supposed to use much 

Overdose can lead to water retention  by reducing potassium and spiking sodium levels in the body


DIY remedies using mulethi

·       Yasti Madhu and ghee combination can relieve your hoarseness immediately

·       Using decoction made by crushing the roots of yasti with water can improve your anemia.

·       The same can be used to reduce the excessive thirst and burning sensation of the body.

·       Yastimadhu with honey can relieve cough and cold symptoms immediately.

·       Licking Yasti madhu with honey can relieve anorexia and nausea.

·       It can relieve continuous hiccups too.

·       One spoon of mulethi powder with honey and diluted in lukewarm water – when given to kids frequently can cure cough immediately.

·       A concoction prepared by boiling mulethi root, tulsi, Haridra, and pudina, straining them- is used for relieving chest congestion and blocked nose.

·       Simply chewing a piece of root can clear the throat.

·       Mixing the powder with aloe vera gel and applied locally on eczema.

·       Licorice tea helps in boosting immunity.

·       Mulethi tea can control cholesterol and regulate hormones of menstrual irregularities.

·       Chewing a small piece of yasti can improve the voice complexion.

·       External application of powder of yasti with sandalwood can relieve migraine.

·       Regular intake of yasti choornam with milk helps in anti-aging and also memory  booster


Therapeutic Dosage of Yastimadhu:

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.


Now let us know how Ayurvedic classical medicines have integrated this magical root into their preparations 


·       Anu thailam- a renowned medicine used for nasya in many upper respiratory disorders

·       Manasamithravatakam- a medicine used to improve the sleep pattern to reduce anxiety and soothe mind 

·       Yasth ghritham -A medicine used to reduce GERD

·       Yasti thailam – used as nasya to reduce baldness and to reverse grey hair

·       Yasti choornam – to reduce acidity 

·       Yasti tablets – for sore throat and acidity 

 

Are Yashtimadhu and mulethi the same?

Yes, both refer to the same.


What is licorice called in India?

Mulethi is the very common name for licorice in India, and Yastimadhu is the AYurvedic name.


What is the local name of mulethi?

Athi madhuram in tamil and jesthi madhu in Marathi


What is the Ayurvedic name for licorice?

Yasti madhu/yasti


What is the difference between Yashtimadhu and Mulethi?

Both refer to the same.


Can I take Yashtimadhu every day?

Yes you can but in recommended doses


Is mulethi good for skin whitening?

Yes it helps in skin whitening and is used in various cosmetics 


Can Licorice help relieve muscle cramps?

Yes with the presence of glycyrrhizin, it can relieve muscle cramps


Can Licorice help with weight loss?

It is known to reduce body fat without affecting the BMI index of our body


Can Liquorice powder be used for hair growth?

Yes it can because it contains  antioxidants, protein, calcium, and glycyrrhizin acid good for hair growth


Can You Use Mulethi As A Sweetener?

Yes, it can. It contains sweetness 50 times more than a sweetener.


Does Licorice aid the treatment of diabetes?

Amorfrutins in yasti root have many anti-inflammatory properties that help keep diabetes-related conditions at bay.


Does Licorice help improve gastrointestinal health?

Yes it helps to relieve acidity and bloatedness


Does Licorice help improve male fertility?

Yes it can improve sperm motility and count


Does Licorice help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause?

Yes due to the presence of pitta samana properties, it can help to tackle PMS 


Does Liquorice help in skin lightening?

Yes, it does skin whitening and is thus used in various cosmetics 


How To Make Mulethi Tea?

Allow 1 cup of water to boil and add chopped mulethi root and allow it to boil for 10-15 minutes, let it filter and use it 


How To Make Mulethi Water?

1 tsp mulethi with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil and let it cool 


How To Store Mulethi Powder?

Store in a cool dry place.


How To Use Mulethi For Sore Throat and Cough?

You can use it in the form of kadha or mix it with honey and take every half hour.


How do you grow Liquorice?

Propagated by seed and stem cutting


How is Licorice powder good for hair?

Yes it can be used internally and externally as it can promote blood circulation in the scalp 


What are the benefits of Licorice for Arthritis?

Yes it can help owing to its anti-inflammatory properties


What are the benefits of Licorice for Bleeding?

Mulethi contains (Licorice) and also increases the blood supply to the stomach, which promotes healing.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection?

Glycyrrhizin in licorice can help to treat hepatitis C virus infections


What are the benefits of Licorice for Cough?

The active components Glycyrrhizin help to decrease cough and heal ulcers


What are the benefits of Licorice for Dental plaque?

Compound Glycyrrhizin in Mulethi(Licorice) helps to reduce the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum diseases.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Eczema?

Applying topically yasti powder with milk can be effective in eczema


What are the benefits of Licorice for Fatigue?

Yasti is one of the best medicines to relieve adrenal fatigue and immune disorders.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Fatty liver disease?

It can be very effective in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Heartburn?

It can help in relieving acid reflux, upset stomach, and heartburn when taken every now and then 


What are the benefits of Licorice for High cholesterol?

Licorice extracts can help in lowering low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol oxidation


What are the benefits of Licorice for Irritable bowel syndrome?

It can help in the lining of the digestive tract by producing mucous-producing cells over the gastrointestinal linings 


What are the benefits of Licorice for Malaria?

Glabridin is yasti can trigger oxidative stress that leads to apoptosis in malaria


What are the benefits of Licorice for Melasma?

External application of yasti choornam can help in relieving melasma  and give a radiant look


What are the benefits of Licorice for Mouth ulcers?

The anti-inflammatory effect of yasti can reduce aphthous ulcers in size, site, and time 


What are the benefits of Licorice for Prostate cancer?

The flavonoid present in yasti can help in exerting an anti-cancer effect against prostate cancer.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Psoriasis?

Glycyrrhizin in yasti can help in psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Stomach ulcers?

Yasti can inhibit the production of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates gastritis.


What are the benefits of Licorice for Tuberculosis (TB)?

Intake of yasti acts as Rasayana (Rejuvenation & Immuno modulator) and Ropana (Healing) thus helping to boost immunity and control bacterial infections.

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