Mulethi, also known as liquorice, is commonly found in Asia and Europe and has been used for several years in Chinese traditional and Ayurvedic medicines as an expectorant. Moreover, this herb has other promising health benefits and must be included in everyone's daily routine.

This article summarises the top health benefits of Mulethi, its side effects, precautions, and details on people who should avoid consuming it to give you an overall idea before you start taking this herb.

Mulethi is a delightful addition to your meal and provides several health benefits. Some of the top health benefits of Mulethi are listed below:

1. Boosts Digestion

Mulethi has glycyrrhizin, which gives it a sweet taste and helps to improve digestion. You can have Mulethi tea to ease your digestive issues, which will help reduce the discomfort and irritation you experience during acidity.

2. Boosts Immunity

The enzymes in liquorice or Mulethi roots help produce lymphocytes and macrophages that protect your body from various pathogens. Moreover, it offers protection against allergens, microbes, pollutants, and auto-immune diseases.

3. Improves Skin

The emollient properties of liquorice help to moisturise your skin and keep it soft. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties help to fight pigmentation and skin rashes. It also helps to reduce dark spots on the face, reduce pigmentation, and improve facial tone.

4. Protects from Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties in Mulethi help protect your body from arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, etc., and antioxidants in roots combat free radicals and prevent their spread throughout your body, thereby protecting it from pain and Inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property of this medicinal root also makes it effective against sunburn.

5. Eases Menopausal Symptoms

Consuming Mulethi helps to relieve menopausal women from mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia caused by hormonal imbalances. It is also effective in increasing fertility in women of reproductive age.

6. Regulates Cholesterol Levels

Antioxidants in Mulethi help dilate blood vessels, prevent plaque accumulation in veins and arteries, and control the amount of fat in your bloodstream. Besides controlling cholesterol, it can also help to reduce blood sugar levels.

7. Relieves Cold and Cough

Mulethi has an expectorant with bronchodilator properties that help to cure conditions such as asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and dry cough. This herbal medicine's antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in reducing bronchial inflammation and treating sore throat.

8. Helps in Weight Loss

Mulethi contains flavonoids that decrease excess fat accumulation in your body. It helps to reduce the levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of arterial blockage and heart attacks. Furthermore, Mulethi oil helps to lower body and visceral fat and aids in weight loss.

9. Improves Oral Health

Mulethi has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to decrease bacterial growth, which is responsible for causing bad breath, cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health conditions.

10. Maintains Healthy Functioning of the Brain

Eating roots of Mulethi positively affects the adrenal gland, helping to stimulate brain functioning and bolster memory. As a result, it improves learning capabilities and reduces the effects of amnesia. However, remember to consult a doctor before consuming it.

11. Aids in Liver Health

According to studies, mulethi possesses hepatoprotective effects that promote liver function. Thus, it benefits those with liver problems or seeking to maintain healthy livers since it can detoxify and reduce organ inflammation.

Incorporating Mulethi into one’s daily routine and reaping its benefits is easy. We can take it orally in many ways, such as teas, powders or extracts, making it easily useful for health reasons. There are several ways to use Mulethi, which are as follows

• For treating skin problems, mix Mulethi powder with rose water or milk. Then, apply it to your face.
• You can boil the Mulethi roots in water. Gargle with this lukewarm water to maintain your gum health and protect your teeth from germs.
• Furthermore, boil Mulethi in water with 1 teaspoon of tea leaves. Drink this to get relief from nausea.
• If you are suffering from sore throat and cough, make yourself a tea by putting 1 teaspoon of tea leaves, Mulethi, 1 teaspoon of ginger juice or grated ginger. Do not add sugar, as the Mulethi will release its sweet taste in water when boiling all of them.
• Besides, you can make a concoction by boiling the Mulethi powder and other herbs such as Ashwagandha. You can drink this one cup of solution daily to boost your immune system.
• However, if you have a busy schedule and want to avoid the hassle of making all these, you can wash and chew Mulethi sticks if you do not have any issues with its  strong taste.

Mulethi, or liquorice, is not only a sweet herb but also a source of various essential nutrients. Below is a breakdown of the nutritional values found in 100 grams of Mulethi

Mulethi is celebrated for its many health benefits, but like any herb, moderation is key. Overindulging can lead to some unwanted side effects, so being informed and cautious is essential. Here are some of the side effects that you may expect after consuming an excess of Mulethi

Allergic Reactions, Especially If You Are Allergic to Legumes and Peas.

There can be allergic reactions that are triggered by eating legumes and peas. Such symptoms as rashes, itching, breathing difficulties. Thus, you are advised to be cautious before adding it to your diet.

Temporary Vision Loss or Blurred Vision

Taking too much Mulethi can lead to a temporary loss of vision or unclear eyesight. It could be distressing, but It sometimes recovers when the intake is reduced. Maintaining your intake level within a normal range is advised.

Imbalances in Electrolytes

The electrolytes in the body may get disrupted by mulethi, leading to imbalance. Muscle cramps, fatigue, or abnormal heartbeats may accompany this. One should limit the consumption if such things occur.

Hypertension

When using high doses of Mulethi, there is a possibility of increasing blood pressure. This effect may be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing hypertension as it is harmful to them.

High Retention of Water and Sodium in the Body

Overconsumption of Mulethi can cause high water and sodium retention. It causes swelling and discomfort in different areas of the body. Individuals should consult a medical expert before consuming it.

Hypoaldosteronism

Some people have been found to develop hyperaldosteronism after taking excessive amounts of mulethi, which results in low aldosterone levels in the blood. This upsets sodium balance.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Consuming too much (Mulethi) might result in metabolic alkalosis, whereby all pH values become excessively alkaline, while others suggest symptoms like muscle twitching, body aching, etc.

Low Renin Activity

Taking large amounts of mulethi can reduce blood pressure and fluid balance, which are needed for cardiovascular health. Therefore, individuals should exercise caution when consuming Mulethi for better health.

Hormonal Changes

Studies indicate that excessive intake of mulethi may sometimes lead to hormonal imbalances, potentially affecting reproductive health and causing irregular cycles, which is not good for your health.

Though Mulethi offers multiple health benefits, it should be avoided if you have the following conditions or are taking a particular medication:

Medical History of Hypertension or Renal Failure or Are Presently Following Dialysis Preparations:

Patients who had hypertension before and suffered from kidney diseases should not take Mulethi, especially when they are preparing for dialysis. This is because Mulethi can worsen swelling and high blood pressure. As a result, such persons should consult a healthcare provider before using Mulethi.

Taking Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs or Insulin

Licorice might interact with antidiabetic drugs, causing hypoglycemia. This can result in having low blood sugar levels to a very dangerous level, and this can have very devastating effects on the body. Hence, the practice of glycemic control frequently should frequently be suggested to people who use both antidiabetic medications and this herb.

Suffering from Liver or Cardiovascular Diseases

People with liver problems and those with heart disease should avoid Mulethi because it can interfere with liver function and affect cardiovascular health. Mulethi has the potential to increase the possibility of Toxicity to the liver and can exacerbate heart ailments. In such conditions, one should consult a doctor before taking Mulethi.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

It is not advised to take Mulethi if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause hormonal changes and seriously affect the mother and the child. This may have other problems like preterm labour or developmental problems as other complications. Thus, seeking medical advice before taking Mulethi during these times is highly advisable.

Individuals with Low Potassium Levels

Mulethi can also lower potassium levels, which may lead to hammer-like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, or even severe fatigue. Low potassium levels, if constant, could also cause such complications as cardiac arrhythmias. Those with a history of Hypokalemia should use Mulethi with care and consult a doctor.

So, hopefully, you have found this guide about the health benefits of Mulethi helpful. 

Remember to consult your doctor if you have any existing underlying medical condition before you start taking Mulethi regularly. This way, you can fully enjoy the benefits of Mulethi while keeping yourself safe. Being mindful and informed is the best way to care for your health.