Mulethi
Sanskrit: Yashtimadhu
Glycyrrhiza glabra
A naturally sweet root traditionally chewed or infused for throat comfort and voice care.
Also known as
Mulethi · Licorice · Jethimadh · Yashtimadhu
- hindi:
- Mulethi
- tamil:
- Athimadhuram
- bengali:
- Jashtimadhu
- marathi:
- Jeshthamadh
- gujarati:
- Jethimadh
Parts used
- Root
- Root powder
Traditional overview
- A small piece of the root is traditionally chewed for throat comfort.
- Used in traditional throat and voice preparations for singers and teachers.
- Also used in classical Ayurvedic formulations for the stomach.
Common traditional forms
- root stick for chewing
- infusion
- powder
- decoction
Wellness tags
- throat comfort
- digestion
- voice care
Body focus
- throat
- stomach
- respiratory system
Concerns
- mild throat irritation
- dry cough
- acidity
What to know before use
A sweet root used traditionally for throat comfort, in small amounts and short courses only. Regular or prolonged use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium — it is unsuitable with hypertension, heart, kidney or liver disease, low potassium, and with diuretics, digoxin, steroids or blood-pressure medicines. Avoid in pregnancy. A sore throat lasting beyond a few days, or with fever or breathing difficulty, needs medical care.
Important cautions
Pleasant tasting but genuinely not for everyone. Regular or prolonged use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, so keep it occasional and short.
Who should avoid it
- People with high blood pressure
- People with kidney disease
- People with heart conditions or fluid retention
- People with low potassium levels
Medicine interactions
- May reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines
- May interact with diuretics and lower potassium further
- Caution with heart medicines such as digoxin
- Caution with corticosteroids and hormonal medicines
PregnancyNot advised during pregnancy. Avoid while nursing unless a practitioner advises otherwise.
ChildrenOnly very occasional small amounts, and not as a regular preparation for children.
Quality and buying guidance
Buy root or powder labelled Glycyrrhiza glabra from a licensed supplier with batch and expiry. Genuine root is fibrous, pale yellow inside and distinctly sweet; note that most "liquorice" confectionery contains little real root but plenty of sugar. Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) products are a separate preparation. Store airtight and dry.
Evidence note
There is a moderate body of research alongside long traditional use, though findings vary in quality and often study concentrated extracts rather than household forms.
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.