Mulethi or licorice is the common name of Glycrrhiza glabra a flowering plant of the Bean family. It is a herbaceous perennial legume native to Western Asia, North Africa and Southern Europe.
Ayurveda has long held Mulethi in high regards for its health boosting qualities, especially at this time when health care and IMMUNITY are primary concerns.
Nutritional Content: Mulethi contains Calcium, Iron, Sodium, traces of Vitamin A and C, potassium, glycyrrthizin and glycyrrhatenic acid. Also contains aspargin acid resin, mucilage, phosphoric, sulfuric and malic acids.
Immunity booster: The enzymes present in the roots of the licorice plant, help the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages which are the body’s natural defence against microbes, pollutants, allergens and cells which cause autoimmune disease.
Clears respiratory tract: Mulethi is a natural bronchodilator and the root has expectorant qualities which can provide great ease in symptoms of asthma and also relieve cough, cold, sore throat and bronchitis. For sore throat, cough, asthma and bronchitis put three sticks of Mulethi in a cup of boiling water. Keep for ten minutes and strain.
Fatty liver disease: Due to mulethi’s anti-oxidant and detoxification activity, Mulethi is beneficial in reducing fatty liver problems. It has anti – inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity.
Hormone related problems in women: Licorice extract is composed of both estrogenic and anti – estrogenic compounds and therefore it can help to resolve hormone related issues in women. Also helps ease menopausal symptoms.
Boosts digestion: Active compounds such as glycyrrthizin and carbenoxolone are present in Mulethi. This helps in relieving constipation, stomach discomfort, heartburn, acidity and other stomach issues. It stimulates bowel movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Mulethi has anti – inflammatory properties that may be able to treat chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Its anti – oxidant properties reduce the effects of free radicals causing pain and inflammation in the body.
Stress and depression: Mulethi helps relevant people suffering from depression. The Mulethi helps controlling stress hormones, reducing depression, anxiety and stress.
Memory improvement: Mulethi, has a supportive effect on the adrenal gland and aids indirectly in stimulating the brain. It decreases the effects of amnesia and has a shielding effect on the brain cells.
Heart health: Mulethi helps in controlling cholesterol levels by increasing the bodies flow of bile thus reducing high blood cholesterol levels. The anti – oxidant property of licorice acts in increasing the blood capillary health, reducing inflammation, prevents blood vessel damage and blocks development of arterial plaque.
Skin health: Mulethi powder mixed in a little water and honey ( as a face pack ) prevents hyperpigmentation, fades scars and treats wrinkles.
Hair health: Mulethi powder prevents hair fall, cures dandruff, promotes hair growth and prevents premature greying. Add dahi, Mulethi powder and olive oil and massage and keep on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse.
Anti – diabetic: Mulethi has a powerful ingredient called amofrutins and this helps in controlling high sugar levels in the blood.
Mouth sores: Gargling with lukewarm water and Mulethi powder helps to soothe and heal mouth sores.
How to consume Mulethi: You can make a powder or boil in water for 10 minutes and make a tea. For more flavor add a pinch of cinnamon powder or some mint leaves.
Side effects:
Do not consume more than 5 grams of Mulethi daily . Do not exceed this dose as excess consumption can lead to low potassium levels, fluid and sodium retention, absence of a menstrual period and headaches.
During pregnancy, consuming large quantities of Mulethi may effect the development of your child’s brain. As with everything – eat in moderation.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!