Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Mulethi scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and called Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda consists of the dried roots and stolons. It possesses a Sweet taste with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Sweet post digestive effect and Cold potency it effectively pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas. It is revered as a Rasayana or rejuvenator and is specifically classified as Kanthya beneficial for the throat and voice and Caksusya good for the eyes. Therapeutically it acts as Raktaprasadana soothing the blood and Sandhaniya promoting the healing of ulcers and fractures. It is indicated for respiratory disorders like cough asthma hoarseness of voice and conditions like hyperacidity and general debility. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 2 to 4 grams of the root powder.
Mulethi, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda. Known as Yashtimadhu (meaning "sweet stick"), it is a perennial herb valued for its sweet roots. In Ayurvedic tradition, it is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Jivaniya (vitalizer), known to promote longevity and strength. It is distinctively recognized for its Kanthya (throat-soothing) and Chakshushya (eye-strengthening) properties.
Mulethi is a tall perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters high. The medicinal part consists of the dried, unpeeled stolon and root. These roots are yellowish-brown externally and yellowish internally, possessing a characteristic sweet taste. Ayurveda regards it as a Sandhaniya herb (promotes the union of fractured or divided body tissues) and a Varnya herb (promotes complexion).
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I):
Mulethi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Mulethi is generally considered safe and is often used in formulations for children and pregnant women (as part of Garbhasthapana or pregnancy-maintaining drugs). It is described as Saumya (mild/gentle) in nature.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Radix Glycyrrhizae
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
ESCOP Monographs – Liquorice Root
https://escop.com
Commission E Monographs – Licorice Root
https://www.herbal-ahp.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Yashtimadhu
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Glycyrrhiza glabra Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Glycyrrhiza+glabra
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Licorice Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/glycyrrhiza-glabra
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Licorice
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Licorice Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in recommended doses (2-4g), it acts as a Rasayana (tonic) for eyes, hair, and voice.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken as needed for ailments like cough or acidity. As a tonic, it is often included in formulations taken daily.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It is frequently prescribed with warm milk or warm water to enhance its tonic and soothing effects.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Mulethi scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and called Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda consists of the dried roots and stolons. It possesses a Sweet taste with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Sweet post digestive effect and Cold potency it effectively pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas. It is revered as a Rasayana or rejuvenator and is specifically classified as Kanthya beneficial for the throat and voice and Caksusya good for the eyes. Therapeutically it acts as Raktaprasadana soothing the blood and Sandhaniya promoting the healing of ulcers and fractures. It is indicated for respiratory disorders like cough asthma hoarseness of voice and conditions like hyperacidity and general debility. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 2 to 4 grams of the root powder.
Mulethi, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda. Known as Yashtimadhu (meaning "sweet stick"), it is a perennial herb valued for its sweet roots. In Ayurvedic tradition, it is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Jivaniya (vitalizer), known to promote longevity and strength. It is distinctively recognized for its Kanthya (throat-soothing) and Chakshushya (eye-strengthening) properties.
Mulethi is a tall perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters high. The medicinal part consists of the dried, unpeeled stolon and root. These roots are yellowish-brown externally and yellowish internally, possessing a characteristic sweet taste. Ayurveda regards it as a Sandhaniya herb (promotes the union of fractured or divided body tissues) and a Varnya herb (promotes complexion).
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Vol. I):
Mulethi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Mulethi is generally considered safe and is often used in formulations for children and pregnant women (as part of Garbhasthapana or pregnancy-maintaining drugs). It is described as Saumya (mild/gentle) in nature.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Radix Glycyrrhizae
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
ESCOP Monographs – Liquorice Root
https://escop.com
Commission E Monographs – Licorice Root
https://www.herbal-ahp.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Yashtimadhu
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Glycyrrhiza glabra Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Glycyrrhiza+glabra
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Licorice Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/glycyrrhiza-glabra
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Licorice
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Licorice Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Glycyrrhiza glabra
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in recommended doses (2-4g), it acts as a Rasayana (tonic) for eyes, hair, and voice.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken as needed for ailments like cough or acidity. As a tonic, it is often included in formulations taken daily.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It is frequently prescribed with warm milk or warm water to enhance its tonic and soothing effects.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem