There’s something comforting about the gentle, sweet flavor of Mulethi, especially when it hits your throat like a warm, familiar lullaby. Known as Licorice root in English and Glycyrrhiza glabra in botanical circles, Mulathi has been a beloved herb in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years—cherished for its soothing, nourishing, and balancing properties.

Whether it’s stirred into herbal teas, powdered into classical formulas, or simply chewed raw, Mulethi’s adaptogenic qualities make it a go-to for immune support, respiratory ease, and digestive balance. Let’s explore how this sweet root quietly supports wellness from the inside out.

Common Names of Mulethi

• Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu (यष्टिमधु) – “sweet stick”
• Hindi: Mulethi (मुलेठी)
• Tamil: Atimadhuram
• Telugu: Yashti Madhu
• Punjabi: Mulathi
• English: Licorice Root
• Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Interestingly, Mulathi appears across traditional systems—Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani—making it one of the most globally acknowledged herbal allies.

Ayurvedic Properties of Mulethi

Ayurveda describes Mulathi as a rasayana—a rejuvenating herb that promotes strength, vitality, and longevity.

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet)
• Guna (Qualities): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), Picchila (slimy)
• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
• Effect on Doshas:
  • Pacifies Vata and Pitta
  • May increase Kapha in excess

Its sweet, cooling, and unctuous nature explains why it’s such a reliable ally for dry coughs, acidity, and inflammatory conditions.

Traditional Usages of Mulethi in Ayurveda

From respiratory ease to digestive calm,Mulathi has found its place in a variety of formulations and home remedies:

For sore throat & dry cough:

A time-honored remedy is to suck on a piece of dried Mulathi or sip it as a tea. It soothes throat irritation and eases vocal strain.

For gastritis & hyperacidity:

Mulathi powder with ghee or honey is often recommended to soothe inflamed stomach lining.

As a rejuvenator (Rasayana):

Combined with milk, Mulathi kwath is traditionally used to support stamina, energy, and fertility.

In classical formulations:

Mulethi is a core ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines like Yashtimadhu Churna, Khadirarishta, and Sitopaladi Churna—especially for respiratory and digestive conditions.

For skin health:

A paste of Mulethi and rosewater is used externally to calm skin irritations and lighten pigmentation.

Recommended Dosage and Practical Uses

Form	Usage
Churna (powder)	1–3 grams once or twice daily with warm water, honey, or ghee
Decoction (tea)	Boil 1 tsp dried root in 1 cup water; drink once or twice daily
Capsules/tablets	250–500 mg per dose, as advised by a practitioner
Topical paste	Mix powder with rosewater or aloe gel for skin application

Note: Always consult an Ayurvedic physician if you plan to use Mulethi long-term or therapeutically, especially in high doses.

Precautions & Contraindications

While Mulethi is incredibly beneficial, it does require some caution:

• Avoid long-term high doses, as it may lead to water retention, elevated blood pressure, or potassium depletion (due to glycyrrhizin).
• People with hypertension, kidney disorders, or heart conditions should use it only under medical supervision.
• Pregnant women should avoid medicinal quantities unless prescribed.
• May increase Kapha symptoms like congestion or sluggish digestion if overused.

Modern Research Supporting Traditional Use

Modern science backs many of Mulethi’s time-tested uses:

• Anti-inflammatory & Demulcent: Mulethi soothes mucous membranes, explaining its effectiveness in treating sore throat, ulcers, and gastritis.
  (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002)
• Adaptogenic & Immune-modulating: Research shows that licorice root helps the body adapt to stress and supports immune function.
  (Source: Phytotherapy Research, 2011)
• Antiviral & Antimicrobial: Mulethi extracts show activity against viruses like herpes and hepatitis.
  (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)
• Skin Brightening: Topical use has been shown to inhibit melanin production and reduce hyperpigmentation.
  (Source: International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010)

Mulethi: Nature’s Sweet Embrace for Body and Mind

In a world that often feels rushed and inflamed—physically and mentally—Mulethi offers a sweet pause. It cools what’s overheated, soothes what’s irritated, and nourishes where there’s depletion.

If your voice feels strained, your gut feels fiery, or your energy feels drained, maybe it’s time to let this gentle, grounding herb into your daily rhythm. Mulethi doesn’t shout its benefits; it whispers them—softly, sweetly, just like the comfort it brings.

References

• Charaka Samhita – Chikitsa Sthana, Rasayana Chapter
• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Madhuradi Varga
• Healthline – Ayurvedic Herbs
• Ayur Times – Mulethi (Licorice)