Mulethi Root: Botanical Identity, Traditional Uses, Forms, Evidence and Side Effects

Quick Answer

Mulethi, Jethimadh, Jeshthamadh, Yashtimadhu and licorice generally refer to the sweet underground material of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a perennial plant in the Fabaceae family.

The commercial herb is sold as dried root and underground stolon or rhizome-like pieces, powder, extract and formulated products. These forms are not automatically interchangeable.

Mulethi has long traditional associations with soothing throat, respiratory, digestive and oral preparations. However, there is not enough high-quality evidence to claim that loose Mulethi Root cures cough, ulcers, infections, liver disease, obesity, hair loss or other diagnosed conditions.

Mulethi contains glycyrrhizin, a naturally sweet constituent that can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, low potassium and heart-rhythm problems when unsuitable quantities are consumed or use continues for too long.

Daily use, sucking pieces throughout the day, overnight Mulethi water and long household treatment courses should not be presented as universally safe.

Table of Contents

What Is Mulethi?

Mulethi is the familiar Indian name for licorice or liquorice. The herb is valued for its naturally intense sweetness and long history in Ayurveda, Unani and several other traditional systems.

Unlike an ordinary sweetener, Mulethi contains pharmacologically active plant constituents. This means that its sweet taste should not be interpreted as proof that it is harmless in unlimited quantities.

The herb may be sold as:

  • whole dried root or underground stem pieces;
  • cut Mulethi sticks;
  • coarsely crushed root;
  • Mulethi Powder or churna;
  • Sat Mulethi or licorice extract;
  • deglycyrrhizinated licorice, known as DGL;
  • lozenges, syrups and compounded preparations;
  • topical oils, creams and cosmetic products.

Correct Botanical Identity

Identity Field Correct Information
Botanical name on the supplied product Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Family Fabaceae, the pea and bean family
Plant habit Perennial herb or subshrub
Commercial medicinal material Dried root and underground stolon or rhizome-like material
Common names Mulethi, Mulhatti, Jethimadh, Yashtimadhu, Aslussoos, licorice and liquorice
Not a member of The lily, fennel or caraway families

Other licorice species, including Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza inflata, appear in international herbal products. A packet specifically sold as Glycyrrhiza glabra should be supported by appropriate supplier and batch identification.

Is Mulethi a Root, Rhizome or Stolon?

Mulethi is commonly called licorice root. Commercial material may contain true roots together with underground horizontal stems called stolons or rhizome-like portions.

The supplied material can therefore include:

  • long cylindrical root pieces;
  • branched underground portions;
  • peeled or unpeeled pieces;
  • cut sticks;
  • fibrous broken sections;
  • mixed root and stolon pieces from the same authenticated species.

This normal botanical variation should not be confused with the addition of unrelated roots.

Are Mulethi and Jethimadh the Same?

Mulethi, Jethimadh, Jeshthamadh and Yashtimadhu generally refer to the same licorice-root drug in different languages and regional traditions.

Name Typical Context
Mulethi or Mulhatti Common Hindi and North Indian trade name
Yashtimadhu or Yashti Ayurvedic and Sanskrit context
Jethimadh or Jeshthamadh Gujarati, Marathi and regional trade usage
Athimadhuram South Indian language and trade context
Aslussoos Unani and Persian-Arabic trade context
Licorice or Liquorice English spelling variants

The common name alone is not enough to determine whether a product is raw root, powder, extract, DGL or a mixed formulation.

How Does Original Mulethi Root Look?

Natural Mulethi may show:

  • long or cut cylindrical pieces;
  • a brown, tan or grey-brown outer surface;
  • a pale yellow or yellowish interior;
  • a fibrous structure when broken;
  • longitudinal lines or wrinkles;
  • a distinctly sweet taste followed by an herbal aftertaste;
  • a mild natural root odour.

Sweetness can support basic screening but cannot prove purity. Other sweet substances, added flavouring or unrelated plant materials may be present in poor-quality products.

Traditional-Use Context

Mulethi has historically been used as a soothing and sweet component in herbal preparations. Responsible descriptions may discuss its traditional association with:

  • throat-soothing formulations;
  • cough and respiratory preparations;
  • oral and mouth-care preparations;
  • digestive and stomach-soothing formulations;
  • taste correction in bitter medicines;
  • selected external skin preparations;
  • multi-herb Ayurvedic and Unani formulations.

Traditional use does not establish that raw Mulethi treats bronchitis, stomach ulcers, herpes, hepatitis, PCOS, obesity or hair loss.

Mulethi for Throat, Cough and Voice

Mulethi’s sweetness and mucilage-like constituents have contributed to its traditional reputation as a soothing throat ingredient. It is consequently found in some lozenges, syrups and formulated cough products.

Limited research has examined particular licorice gargles or lozenges, especially around throat discomfort following medical intubation. These findings do not prove that every person should repeatedly suck raw Mulethi sticks or use an unrestricted household decoction.

A persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, breathing difficulty, high fever, wheezing or a cough lasting several weeks requires appropriate assessment.

Mulethi and Oral-Care Research

Small studies have examined specific licorice mouth rinses, gargles and topical preparations for recurrent mouth ulcers or bad breath.

These findings apply to the studied preparations and do not prove that:

  • raw root cures all mouth ulcers;
  • Mulethi treats oral herpes;
  • powder can be placed directly on every ulcer;
  • it permanently removes bad breath;
  • it replaces dental examination;
  • swallowing concentrated rinses is safe.

Persistent ulcers, unexplained bleeding, severe pain, a neck lump or an oral lesion lasting more than two weeks requires professional evaluation.

Mulethi for Digestion and Stomach Symptoms

Licorice has a long history in digestive preparations, and particular extracts—especially products processed to reduce glycyrrhizin—have been studied for selected stomach symptoms.

Research on one extract cannot be transferred automatically to ordinary root or powder. It remains unclear whether products containing licorice alone reliably improve common digestive symptoms.

Mulethi should not be promoted as a treatment for:

  • stomach ulcer;
  • acid reflux;
  • food poisoning;
  • hepatitis;
  • fatty liver;
  • inflammatory bowel disease;
  • persistent abdominal pain;
  • vomiting or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Mulethi for Hair, Skin and Mulethi Oil

Licorice constituents are used in some cosmetic and topical products. Preliminary research has examined specific gels or preparations for selected skin concerns.

This does not establish that homemade Mulethi, sesame, milk, castor-oil or henna mixtures:

  • regrow hair;
  • stop premature greying;
  • reverse baldness;
  • treat scalp infection;
  • heal severe burns;
  • treat eczema or psoriasis;
  • are safe on broken or infected skin.

Mulethi Oil is usually a formulated or infused topical product rather than pure oil naturally expressed from the root. Check its complete ingredient list, carrier oil and intended route. Do not ingest a product labelled only for external use.

Patch-test new topical products and discontinue after significant irritation, swelling or rash.

Mulethi Benefits for Men and Women

Mulethi is not inherently a male-only or female-only herb. Most claimed gender-specific benefits are marketing extensions rather than established clinical effects.

Do not claim that Mulethi:

  • raises male strength or testosterone;
  • improves fertility;
  • treats PCOS;
  • balances all female hormones;
  • treats menstrual disorders;
  • is automatically safe during pregnancy;
  • works as a general sexual-health tonic.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require particular caution because glycyrrhizin-containing oral products may be unsuitable.

What Does Scientific Evidence Show?

Licorice research covers many different materials:

  • raw root;
  • powder;
  • water and hydro-alcoholic extracts;
  • purified glycyrrhizin;
  • deglycyrrhizinated licorice;
  • topical gels;
  • gargles and mouth rinses;
  • lozenges;
  • multi-herb products.

Results from one preparation cannot automatically support another.

Evidence Type What It May Indicate What It Does Not Prove
Traditional use Historical role in soothing formulations Treatment of a diagnosed disease
Laboratory study Possible antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory mechanisms A safe household treatment for infection
Topical-product study Information about the particular formulated product Safety of homemade powder paste
DGL study Information about reduced-glycyrrhizin material Safety of ordinary Mulethi Root
Combination-product study Effect of the complete formulation Effect caused by Mulethi alone

Mulethi Root, Powder, Sat, DGL and Oil

Form What It Means Main Check
Whole Mulethi Dried root and underground stem pieces Species, cleanliness and identity
Mulethi Powder Mechanically ground root material Not automatically an extract
Sat Mulethi A concentrated extract or processed solid Extract method, ratio and glycyrrhizin content
DGL Deglycyrrhizinated licorice Must be specifically declared as DGL
Mulethi Oil Usually an infused or cosmetic oil Carrier oil and external-use directions

What Is Glycyrrhizin?

Glycyrrhizin is a major naturally sweet constituent of licorice. Inside the body, its metabolites can influence an enzyme involved in cortisol regulation. This may create mineralocorticoid-like effects.

Excessive or prolonged exposure can contribute to:

  • high blood pressure;
  • low blood potassium;
  • fluid retention or swelling;
  • muscle weakness;
  • headache;
  • abnormal heart rhythm;
  • serious cardiovascular complications in susceptible users.

The glycyrrhizin amount is not predictable from sweetness alone. Root, powder and extracts can differ significantly.

How Is Mulethi Traditionally Used?

Mulethi may be used in practitioner-designed powders, formulated teas, lozenges, syrups, gargles, extracts and multi-herb combinations.

A public guide should not direct every reader to:

  • suck Mulethi sticks repeatedly throughout the day;
  • take spoonfuls with honey several times daily;
  • drink a measured decoction every morning and evening;
  • consume overnight Mulethi water on an empty stomach;
  • continue daily use for five or six weeks;
  • take it with milk and ghee for strength;
  • use adult quantities for children;
  • use it to replace cough, ulcer, liver or hormonal treatment.

Mulethi Dosage and Duration

No single household dose applies to root sticks, powder, lozenges, syrup, water extract, hydro-alcoholic extract, DGL and topical products.

Appropriate use depends on:

  • species and plant-part confirmation;
  • ordinary root versus extract;
  • glycyrrhizin content;
  • whether the product is DGL;
  • age and health status;
  • blood pressure;
  • heart and kidney health;
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding;
  • medicines;
  • salt intake;
  • duration of use;
  • manufacturer or professional directions.

No universal dose: This guide intentionally gives no teaspoon, gram, stick, twice-daily, empty-stomach or multi-week instruction.

Mulethi Side Effects and Warning Signs

Possible concerns include:

  • raised blood pressure;
  • fluid retention and swelling;
  • low potassium;
  • headache;
  • muscle weakness or cramps;
  • irregular or forceful heartbeat;
  • nausea or digestive discomfort;
  • skin irritation from topical products;
  • interactions with medicines.

Stop use and obtain prompt medical advice after severe weakness, marked swelling, chest discomfort, fainting, breathing difficulty or an irregular heartbeat.

Who Should Avoid Unsupervised Mulethi Use?

Self-use is especially unsuitable or requires professional review for:

  • pregnant or breastfeeding users;
  • infants and children;
  • people with hypertension;
  • people with heart disease;
  • people with kidney disease;
  • people with low potassium;
  • people with unexplained swelling;
  • people consuming a high-salt diet;
  • people taking corticosteroids;
  • people taking diuretics or medicines affecting potassium;
  • people taking heart-rhythm or multiple regular medicines;
  • people preparing for surgery.

Mulethi Root Quality Checklist

Quality Check Prefer Warning Sign
Botanical name Glycyrrhiza glabra clearly declared Only “sweet medicinal stick”
Plant part Root and underground stolon material stated Leaves, flowers and root claims mixed together
Interior Pale yellow and fibrous Artificially coloured or featureless interior
Condition Dry and free from insects or mould Dampness, webbing or musty smell
Taste Natural intense sweetness Added perfume or artificial candy flavour
Claims Cautious traditional and safety information Guaranteed cure, daily-use or “safe for all ages” promises

How to Store Mulethi Root

  • Keep in a clean airtight container.
  • Protect from humidity, sunlight and kitchen steam.
  • Retain the species and batch label.
  • Use dry hands or utensils.
  • Do not mix new material with an unidentified old batch.
  • Check periodically for insects, mould or a musty smell.
  • Keep away from children to prevent unsupervised chewing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Mulethi?

Mulethi is licorice root, usually associated with Glycyrrhiza glabra.

2. What is Mulethi called in English?

It is called licorice or liquorice root.

3. Are Jethimadh and Mulethi the same?

Yes, they are commonly used regional names for the same licorice-root drug.

4. Are Yashtimadhu and Mulethi the same?

Yes. Yashtimadhu is the familiar Ayurvedic name for Mulethi.

5. Is Mulethi a tree?

No. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb or subshrub.

6. Is Mulethi naturally sweet?

Yes. Its sweetness is associated mainly with glycyrrhizin, not with it being an ordinary sugar food.

7. Is Mulethi useful for sore throat?

It has a traditional throat-soothing role, and certain formulated gargles or lozenges have limited supporting research. This does not establish a universal raw-root treatment.

8. Can Mulethi cure cough?

No guaranteed cure claim should be made. Persistent or severe cough requires assessment.

9. Does Mulethi heal stomach ulcers?

Evidence differs by extract, and ordinary root should not be promoted as ulcer treatment.

10. Does Mulethi help hair growth?

There is insufficient evidence that homemade Mulethi preparations regrow hair or stop baldness.

11. What is Mulethi Oil?

It is usually an infused or formulated topical oil. Check its carrier oil and complete ingredients.

12. What is Sat Mulethi?

Sat Mulethi generally refers to a concentrated licorice extract. The extract method and glycyrrhizin content must be stated.

13. What is DGL?

DGL is deglycyrrhizinated licorice, processed to remove most glycyrrhizin. It is not identical to ordinary Mulethi.

14. Can Mulethi raise blood pressure?

Yes. Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can raise blood pressure, particularly with excessive or prolonged use.

15. Can Mulethi lower potassium?

Yes. Excess glycyrrhizin exposure can contribute to low potassium.

16. Can Mulethi be taken daily?

Daily or long-term self-use should not be assumed safe.

17. Is Mulethi safe during pregnancy?

Oral glycyrrhizin-containing licorice should not be casually used during pregnancy.

18. Can children suck Mulethi sticks?

Children should not receive unsupervised medicinal quantities or be allowed to chew pieces that create choking or dosing concerns.

19. Which is better: root or powder?

Whole root is easier to inspect. Powder is convenient but harder to authenticate and easier to overuse.

20. How should Mulethi be stored?

Keep it labelled, airtight, cool and dry, away from moisture and insects.

Conclusion

Mulethi, Jethimadh and Yashtimadhu generally refer to the sweet root and underground stem material of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Its traditional throat, respiratory, oral and digestive reputation should be explained without turning it into a cure for cough, ulcers, infections, liver disease, obesity or hair loss.

The most important safety issue is glycyrrhizin. Form, concentration, duration, blood pressure, potassium, medicines and pregnancy status all matter.

Educational notice: This guide provides botanical, traditional-use, research, quality and safety information. It does not prescribe Mulethi for a medical condition.