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.
Keeps the respiratory tract healthy
Chewing on mulethi sticks is an age-old remedy for a sore throat. It is due to its expectorant and bronchodilator properties that it can cure conditions like cough, bronchitis and also reduce the effects of chronic asthma. If you want to avoid chewing on mulethi sticks, you can mix ginger juice to mulethi tea in order to soothe asthma and bronchial infection.
Boosts digestion
Mulethi has active compounds glycyrrhizin and carbenoxolone that are known to relieve constipation, stomach discomfort, heartburn, acidity and other stomach problems. It also acts as a mild laxative, playing an effective role in stimulating bowel movements
Boosts immunity
Regular use of mulethi is known to boost immunity, thanks to the enzymes present in the root plant; it helps the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the body from microbes, pollutants, allergens and cells that cause autoimmune diseases, further keeping you away from infections and allergies and in turn boosting your immunity.
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Liquorice has anti-inflammatory properties that may be able to treat chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Its anti-oxidant properties also reduce the effects of free radicals causing pain and inflammation in the body.
Cures skin ailments
Mulethi is an emollient that helps maintain a healthy glowing skin. All you need to do is to add mulethi powder to rose water or milk depending on the type of your skin. This will help combat de-pigmentation and further soothe skin rashes.
Eases menopausal symptoms
The phytoestrogenic compounds in this herb help correct hormonal imbalance in the body to ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, depression, mood swings, sweating, et al. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research highlights its positive effect on menopausal hot flashes.
How can you use mulethi (liquorice)
All you need to do is to boil the root to make a tea if you are feeling nauseous or are coming down with a cold. Liquorice tea is also good for maintaining dental health; try gargling with the cooled tea.
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
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.
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.
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 Hair loss:
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.
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 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.
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.
