Amazing Health Benefits & Uses of Mulethi (Athimathuram)

Mulethi is an effective traditional herb that is widely used in Indian medicines, folk medicines, home remedies, and Ayurveda. 

It is a classical Ayurvedic remedy and has been used in centuries as grandma’s remedy for sore throat and cough. Mulethi is effective to treat ulcers, joint pains, hyperacidity, general debility and many other diseases. 

It provides effective treatments for various diseases due to the medicinal properties. It acts as a good analgesic,  anti-inflammatory agent, aphrodisiac and antiacid agent.

About Mulethi

The Scientific name of Mulethi is  Glycyrrhiza glabra that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The word ‘Glycyrrhiza’ is derived from the Greek word ‘glykos’ that means ‘sweet’ and the word ‘rhiza’ means root, so the name of this plant is ‘sweet root.’ 

In Tamil, Mulethi is known as ‘Athimathuram.’ Athumathuram is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1-meter height, and it is commonly found in hot, dry and sunny climates of India, Asia, and Europe regions. The root of this plant is stoloniferous and has a sweet taste. 

The leaves of this plant are green in color and contain 10-15 leaflets. The flowers of Mulethi plant are conch shell-shaped and purple to white-blue in color. 

The plant contains oblong podded fruits with many small seeds. In Ayurveda, it is known as ‘Yashtimadhu,’ and the meaning of this name is ‘honey-like wood.’ Even the herb is 40-50 times sweeter than sugar, but it is an excellent remedy for maintaining blood sugar. 

Mulethi contains many biochemical compounds, that is the reason for its distinct aroma. Due to the compound of glycyrrhizin, it has an excellent sweet taste. 

The root of this plant is mainly used in ancient folk medicines to enhance sexual vigor naturally. It is widely popular as ‘Sarvarogaprashamani’ and recommended by many ancient physicians to improve the stamina of warriors. 

Apart from this, the root of this Mulethi is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. The root powder has been used as a flavoring agent in sweets for decades.

Ayurvedic Indications of Mulethi

According to the holistic science of Ayurveda terms, this root powder is called Yashtimadhu. The root powder of Mulethi is used to treat various diseases such as Rochana, Kashahara, Deepana, Anulomana, Pachana, Vamana, Mehahara, Rasayani, Dahahara, Prameha, Vayasthapana, Trutahara, Vrushya, Sangrahini, Kanthya, Krimihara, Balya, Kustha, Jvara, Shwasha, Kamala, Shonitasthapana, Amahara, Hridaya, Chakushya, Varnya, Arsha, and Krichra.

Common Names of Mulethi (Athimathuram):

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra
English Name: Licorice
Tamil Name: அதிமதுரம் / Athimathuram
Malayalam Name: ഇരട്ടി മധുരം / Earatti Maduram
Telugu Name: యష్టిమధుకం / అతిమధురం / ఇరాత్తిమధురం / Yashtimadhukam / Atimadhuram / Irattimadhuram
Kannada Name: ಲಿಕ್ಕರೈಸ್ ರೂಟ್ / Yashtimadhu, Atimadhura 
Hindi Name: मुलेठी / जेठीमधु / Mulethi, Jethimadhu
Marathi Name: मद्यपान / JeshtamadhaTamil – Atimaduram
Urdu: شراب کی جڑ / Mulhati 

Medicinal Properties of Mulethi (Athimathuram)

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antacid
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-adipogenic
• Anti-ulcerogenic
• Anti-Alzheimer’s
• Anti-obesogenic
• Anticancer
• Anti-asthmatic
• Anti-atherogenic
• Adaptogenic
• Anti-angiogenic
• Anti-arthritic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-proliferative
• Antitussive
• Antidepressant
• Analgesic
• Aphrodisiac
• Anti-stress
• Expectorant
• Immuno-modulator
• Demulcent
• Mild estrogenic

Health Benefits of Mulethi (Athimathuram)

Mulethi is mainly used to treat respiratory and digestive systems. It also helps in treating many symptoms such as burning sensation, abdominal colic, heartburn, peptic ulcer duodenal ulcer, GERD, and chronic gastric problems. 

Mulethi contains Glycyrrhizin that contains sweet taste and decreases the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It used to treat digestion system-related diseases.

Improves Digestion

Mulethi is an effective digestive herb. The root of Mulethi contains an anti-flatulent property that helps to decrease the gas formation in the alimentary canal, so it decreases flatulence, abdominal distension, and bloating. 

It increases appetite, decreases indigestion, and enhances better absorption of nutrients in the body. The root powder of Mulethi contains a high amount of fiber that makes it a great remedy to treat constipation and other digestive problems.

Treats Respiratory Troubles

Mulethi is an effective remedy for all kinds of respiratory problems. It contains anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, so it plays an important role in treating common cough, cold, and flu symptoms. 

It thins the phlegm deposits from nasal cavities and chest so it makes easy breathing and helps to get relief from the mucus. 

It is more beneficial to treat asthma and bronchitis conditions. Regular consumption of this herb strengthens your lung tissues and improves your lung health.

• Take one teaspoon of Mulethi powder with pushkarmool powder, honey, and water. Take this regularly to cure asthmatic allergy conditions. 
• For sore throat, take a mixture of one teaspoon of Mulethi powder, Sitopaladi churna, and honey with lukewarm water. Consuming this two times per day decreases inflammation, cough, and irritation of the throat.

Reduces Weight Loss

Mulethi contains numerous flavonoids that help to decrease excess weight quickly. Due to the presence of fiber and essential nutrients, the regular consumption of Mulethi soothes hunger pangs and inhibits overeating. 

Thus, it plays a vital role in reducing weight. The powder decreases the accumulation of LDL in the body, so improves metabolism and helps to maintain a normal weight.

Treats Gastritis

The Glycyrrhizic acid present in Mulethi contains powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that help to inhibit toxic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and prevent the growth of it in the gut. 

The root powder of Mulethi soothes the stomach lining and maintains balance in stomach ulcers, food poisoning, and heartburn. 

Mulethi is a natural antiacid, so it decreases the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It also reduces gastritis because of peptic mucosa and acidic irritation. Regular consumption of Mulethi powder, coriander powder, nutgrass powder, amla powder, and giloy with lukewarm water helps to provide relief from gastritis.

Reduces High Cholesterol

Mulethi is considered as a rejuvenative cardio-tonic root because of its natural bioactive compounds. This Ayurvedic herb effectively reduces the bad cholesterol level and triglycerides in the body. 

It prevents the deposition of plaque in body vessels and also prevents atherosclerosis, so it decreases the chances of strokes, heart blocks and heart attacks.

Treats Ulcer

Mulethi contains anti-inflammatory properties that have powerful effects on treating different types of ulcers, such as peptic ulcer, mouth ulcer, ulcerative colitis, canker sores, etc. 

The bioactive compounds carbenoxolone of Mulethi plays an important role in treating gastric and mouth ulcers. It also helps to heal the inflamed mucosal layer quickly and decreases the chances of ulceration.

Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores

Canker sore is a common type of mouth ulcer with pain and tenderness. The bioactive compound carbenoxolone of Mulethi plays a main role in healing mouth ulcers. The water or tea of Mulethi decreases the tenderness and pain. It is also very effective in decreasing the size of canker sores.

Provides Cognitive Abilities

Mulethi is an effective traditional remedy with brain-boosting properties. The sweet root of Mulethi contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids that improve your concentration, memory capacity, focus, alertness, and calmness. 

Mulethi is a powerful Medhya Rasayana herb, so it enhances memory power, problem-solving capacity, reasoning, and cognitive abilities. 

The Mulethi plant contains many neuroprotective elements that help to inhibit loss of memory and relieve stress and tension from your mind. 

Consume two gms of Mulethi powder with warm milk that helps to improve your memory power and inhibit the chances of many psychotic disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s.

Treats Diabetes

The Mulethi root powder contains powerful phytoestrogenic compound glabridin that not only provides a sweet taste to root and also plays an important role in controlling the levels of blood sugar in the body. 

Consumption of Mulethi powder activates the insulin production from β-pancreatic cells. A sufficient dosage of Mulethi powder helps to decrease the breakdown of starch into glucose and controls diabetes.

Boosts Immunity

Mulethi is also known as an enchanting ayurvedic herb that contains high significance in improving the normal energy and stamina level of your body. 

It contains powerful bio-active ingredients that help to decrease weakness, debility, and fatigue and also enhance the vitality of your body. 

The anti-microbial property present in Mulethi helps to boost immunity and protects your body from various microbial diseases. It helps to enhance the function of the kidney, liver, and adrenal glands and also helps to decrease the levels of stress.

Promotes Hair Growth

Mulethi Powder is an effective herb for improving hair growth. It increases blood circulation in hair follicles and scalp. By providing more nutrients to the blood supply, it enhances the root of the hair and helps in hair growth. 

Ayurveda recommended that consuming Mulethi regularly not only reduces baldness and also inhibits premature greying, hair fall, and various types of scalp infections. Take a mixture of 2 teaspoons of Mulethi, henna, haritaki, reetha powder in water and add one teaspoon of castor oil and almond oil to it. 

Apply this hair pack on your scalp and wash your hair using shampoo. Repeat this once per week for enhancing your hair growth and inhibits greying hair and hair loss.

Regulates Hormones

Mulethi is one of the Ayurvedic herbs that are great for its effects on adrenal glands. It contains phytoestrogens bio-active substances that are more beneficial in maintaining hormone balance. 

It provides relief from depression, mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, menstrual cramps, sweating during the menstrual cycle. 

Mulethi powder is recommended for the new mom because that helps to increase secretion and production of breast milk by regulating the hormones.

Treats Skin diseases

Mulethi is a powerhouse of antioxidants and rich nutrients that is a rejuvenating herb and plays a major role in treating several skin diseases. 

It effectively eliminates the free radicals from your body and prevents the damage of oxidative. Mulethi is a great pacifier of Vata and pitta, so it eliminates the AMA toxins from the skin’s internal layer. 

It improves the overall health of the skin and treats several skin infections such as acne, rashes, eczema, boils, pimples, etc. 

Mulethi is used in various forms such as toner, cleanser, spot correcting gels to decrease dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and provides a spotless glowing skin. Mulethi can also be used in many ways to enhance skin health.

• Mulethi can be applied in the forms of paster, gel, oil on eczema patches to provide a cool and soothing feeling on your skin. It also helps to reduce swelling, itchiness, redness of inflamed scratchy skin.
• Take one teaspoon of Mulethi powder and Amla powder with a spoon of milk or rosewater and apply it on your face as a face pack. Repeat this for alternative days to enhance the radiance of your skin. 
• For oily skin, it is better to apply the paste of sandalwood powder and Mulethi powder as a face mask with rose water to control excess sebum secretion.
• For dry skin, Take two teaspoons of Mulethi powder, add ten drops of Kumkumadi tailam with it and apply it evenly on your face to enhance complexion and decrease spots and blemishes.

Treats Malaria

The Chinese Mulethi contains a compound LICOCHALCONE that helps to prevent falciparum strain, and it has similar effects of chloroquine. According to studies, the newly isolated licorice compound contains powerful anti-malarial properties.

High potassium levels

Research found that Mulethi contains many compounds that help to reduce the level of potassium in the blood. Thus, it may be very effective in the situation of high serum potassium in people who have diabetes and kidney diseases.

Relieves Muscle cramps

Mulethi contains muscle relaxant and antispasmodic effects that help to decrease muscle cramps and tenderness for people who have fibromyalgia. The effect of Mulethi can be mainly used in abdominal spasm in women during menstruation, but it can’t work alone, so you may also take other medicines.

Seminal Weakness

Mulethi is not recommended for people who have a loss of libido but helps men who suffer from early discharge or seminal weakness. Typically, hypersensitivity or hyper-excitement is a cause of early discharge in men. It decreases excessive excitement and helps to treat early discharge in men. The mind plays a major role in early discharge so that Mulethi is an effective remedy for that.

Therapeutic Dosage of Mulethi

The accurate dosage of Mulethi powder for great relief can vary from person to person according to age, condition, and severity of the patient. Before taking this, you should consider the doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner’s advice because they prescribe the effective dosage for a particular period of time by examining the patient’s conditions.

The minimum dosage of Mulethi powder ranges between 1-3 gms for adults two times per day with milk or lukewarm water before food.

Side Effects of Mulethi

Although the magical root of Mulethi is an effective remedy for all health conditions, it is not recommended to take if the doctor did not suggest it. 

Without consultation, the overdose of Mulethi powder decreases high potassium and increases the level of sodium in the body so that it may cause water retention and bloat. Excessive consumption of Mulethi powder may lead to hyper that hypertensive encephalopathy and hypertension. 

It is strongly recommended not to take Mulethi powder during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting the doctor’s advice because it may cause preterm delivery. It also may cause abnormal allergic effects in the new-born baby through breast milk.

Contradictions

• Loss of libido
• Hypertonia
• Hypertension encephalopathy
• Fluid retention
• Kidney disease
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hypokalemia

Conclusion

Mulethi is a traditional herbal remedy for treating many health disorders. It provides effective treatments for ulcers, respiratory diseases, indigestion, liver damages, cardiac issues, and many skin diseases. The Mulethi contains many effective health benefits, and it is more beneficial in providing relief from congestion and sore throat. If you consume proper dosage, you can avoid side effects and get an effective health condition.