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

Yastimadhu /Licorice ,a sweet deal for all your ailments

Often referred as healers 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 Fabacea family , is a hard leguminous under shrub.The cardinal portion is the root which mimics like a sweet candy

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

This captivating aroma and sweet taste comes from its biochemical compound anethole and glycyrrhizin respectively

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

Ancient folk remedies claim this root to be aphrodisiac and has been using it to improve the 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 ,its also used as flavoring agent for candies

Whether it may be to ease a cough ,or it may be to alleviate a 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 and etc .

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So, read on to know more about its incredible results!

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 vigour within our bodies.

Ayurvedic energies includes 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 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

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

Now lets catch up 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 property, 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,ani biotic and anti-asthmatic properties,mulethi offers one shot remedy for treating common cold, dough 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, 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 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.

· 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 artherosclerosis ,there by reducing cardio vascular diseases risks

· Boosts Immunity

The bioactive ingredients of mulethi helps 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 affecte from any infections .It also improves the function of the liver, kidney and adrenal glands which in turn helps in reducing the stress levels.

· Maintains liver health

Endowed with potent anti inflammatory properties ,mulethi plays a pivotal role in addressing non alcoholic 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 sweet taste to mulethi plays a 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

Component in mulethi ,glabridin is highly effective for skin and treats sunburns.Its a powerhouse of antioxidants and can efficiently scavenge free oxygen radical from the body and diminishes oxidative damage .It can balance vata and pittha 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 mineralo corticoidism which can impact the blood pressure levels adversely affecting the heart ,kidney causing muscle weakness and fatigue

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

Over dose can lead to water retention by reducing potassium and spiing sodium levels in the body

DIY remedies using mulethi

· Yasti madhu and ghee combination can relieve your hoarseness immediately

· Using decoction mad with crushing roots of yasti with water can improve your anaemia

· 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 relive contonuius hiccup too

· One sppon of mulethi powder with honey and diluted in luke warm water – when given to kids frequently can cure cough immediately

· A concoction prepared by boiling mulethi root ,tulsi ,haridra and pudina ,strain them- is used for relieving the chest congestion and blocked nose

· Simply chewing a piece of root can clear throat

· Mixing the powde 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 irregularties

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

· Expernal application of powder of yasti with sandal wood can relive migraine

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

Therapeutic Dosage:

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 lets know how ayurvedic classical medicines has integrated this magical root in their preparations

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

· Manasamithravatakam- a medicine used to improve ethe sleep pattern and to reduce anxiety and sooth 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

Is Yashtimadhu and mulethi the same?

Yes both refers to same

What is licorice called in India?

Mulethi

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 refers to same

Can I take Yashtimadhu everyday?

Yes you can but in recommended doses

Is mulethi good for skin whitening?

Yes its helps in skin whitening and 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 time more than a sweetner

Does Licorice aid the treatment of diabetes?

Amorfrutins in yasti root have many anti-inflammatory properties that helps 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 presence of pittha 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 its 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 cool dry place

How To Use Mulethi For Sore Throat and Cough?

You can use it in form of kadha or mix with honey and taken 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 for as it can promote blood circulation in the scalp

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