Ayurveda – Health Care

Yashtimadhu(Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Dr Sangeeta Pahuja 

Glycyrrhiza Glabra is commonly known as Licorice or Mulethi is used as flavoring agent in food and for therapeutic purpose in Ayurvedic formulations. 

It has been widely used for Respiratory and Digestive disorders. It is considered to be as Rasayana. Mulethi pacifies Vata and Pitta; therefore it is specifically used in the treatment of chronic acidity, ulcers and chronic bronchial conditions. 

Consuming licorice daily helps in controlling stress hormones, reducing depression, anxiety and stress and also controls the cholesterol levels. It boosts the immune system and helps to keep healthy. 

It is hepatoprotective and has anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Licorice root is extremely beneficial for treatment of skin problems such as rashes, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin and is considered to be as effective remedy for weight loss. It helps in treatment of Respiratory problems like Bronchitis, Asthma. 

To get relief from these problems, boil some licorice root in a cup of water for ten minutes, strain and drink it.

In Ayurveda Mulethi is considered as:

 

Deepna(enhances stomach fire) 

Mehahara(treat urinary tract disorders) 

Sangrahni(treats diarrhiea) 

Pachna(stimulates appetite) 

Prameh(antidiabetic) 

Kushta(treat skin disorders) 

Rochana(digestive) 

Trutahara(relieves excessive thrist) 

Kamla(prevent jaundice) 

Anulomna(improves breathing) 

Rasayani(rejuvenatethe whole body) 

Varnya(improves complexion) 

Kasahara(Relieves cough) 

Kanthaya(improves voice) 

Aamahara,(treats indigestion) 

Vamana(antiemetic) 

Balya(improves muscle strength) 

 Krimihara(dewormin) 

Vayasthapana(antiageing) 

Shonitsthapana(control bleeding) 

Jwara(antipyretic) 

Dahahara(Relieves burning sensation) 

Pandu(treats anaemia) 

Vrishya(aphrodisiac) 

Hridaya(cardioprotective) 

Hridaya(cardioprotective) 

Hridaya(cardioprotective) 

Licorice has Vitamins, bioactive constituents like glycyrrhizin, anethole, sterols, flavonoids, biotin, resin, tannins, sucrose, iodine, saponin, isoflavons, volatile oils etc. 

Glycyrrhiza is used as a sweetener in the food products and which is 50 times sweeter than the sugar. 

Due to the presence of glycyrrhizine, it is used for the treatment of Peptic ulcers and as an expectorant. It is also used as herbal remedy for gastritis and upper respiratory tract infections. 

Researchers have found the beneficial effects of licorice in case of Hypertensive encephalopathy, pulmonary edema, muscular weekness and acute renal failure. 

Mulethi powder should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation period because it can lead to allergic effects. The minimum therapeutic dosage may range between 1-3 grams for adults twice daily infused in lukewarm water or milk before meals. Overdosage of mulethi powder can cause bloating or water retention in the body. 

Mulethi has numerous benefits but always consult your doctor for therapeutic use. 


—00—

< Contents                                                                                                                          Next >