Everything You Need to Know About Liquorice: Uses, Benefits, and More
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| Liquorice plant |
Liquorice, also spelled licorice, is a well-known herb cherished for its sweet flavor and medicinal properties. From mulethi sticks to licorice candy, this versatile plant has been used for centuries across the world — especially in India, where it is deeply rooted in traditional medicine. In this post, we’ll explore what liquorice is called in India, what it’s good for, and its most common uses.
What Is Liquorice Called in India?
In India, liquorice is popularly known as Mulethi (मुलैठी in Hindi). Mulethi sticks and powdered licorice are widely used in Indian households, Ayurveda, and traditional remedies. The sweet root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant is harvested and dried to form these mulethi sticks, which are used to make teas, syrups, and medicinal concoctions.
What Is Liquorice Good For?
Liquorice has a long history as a natural remedy. Here are some of the key benefits of this herbal wonder:
- Soothes Sore Throats and Coughs: Mulethi is a natural expectorant that helps clear mucus and relieve throat irritation.
- Supports Digestive Health: Licorice aids digestion, reduces acidity, and can help with indigestion and stomach ulcers.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: It helps reduce inflammation both externally and internally.
- Boosts Immunity: Licorice contains antioxidants that support immune function.
- Skin Health: Licorice extracts are used in skin creams for their anti-inflammatory and brightening effects.
- Hormonal Balance: Some studies suggest it may support adrenal health and hormonal balance.
Due to these benefits, liquorice is often found in herbal teas, supplements, and topical creams.
What Is Licorice Most Commonly Used For?
The uses of liquorice are incredibly diverse. Here are the most common ways liquorice is used worldwide:
- Mulethi Sticks and Powder: Used in teas, Ayurvedic medicines, and herbal remedies.
- Liquorice Candy: Popular worldwide, especially black licorice candy, is a favorite treat with a distinct sweet and slightly bitter taste.
- Black Licorice: Often used in candies and sometimes in traditional medicines.
- Red Licorice: A sweet, fruity variation popular mainly in Western countries, although it doesn’t always contain real liquorice extract.
- Salmiak Licorice: A salty variety popular in Nordic countries, combining liquorice with ammonium chloride.
- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): A form of licorice processed to remove glycyrrhizin, reducing side effects, often used for digestive issues.
- Lakerol: A brand of licorice throat lozenges.
- Grape Licorice: A fruity licorice candy variant.
Different Forms of Liquorice
Liquorice comes in many forms to suit various needs:
- Mulethi Sticks: These are the dried roots, chewed or boiled to make tea.
- Powdered Licorice: Used in capsules, powders, and skin care products.
- Liquorice Candy: Available in black, red, salted (salmiak), and flavored varieties.
- Extracts and Supplements: For targeted medicinal benefits.
- Topical creams: For skin conditions.
Interesting Facts About Liquorice
- Liquorice root is about 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar.
Liquorice, also spelled licorice, is a well-known herb cherished for its sweet flavor and medicinal properties. From mulethi sticks to licorice candy, this versatile plant has been used for centuries across the world — especially in India, where it is deeply rooted in traditional medicine. In this post, we’ll explore what liquorice is called in India, what it’s good for, and its most common uses.
What Is Liquorice Called in India?
In India, liquorice is popularly known as Mulethi (मुलैठी in Hindi). Mulethi sticks and powdered licorice are widely used in Indian households, Ayurveda, and traditional remedies. The sweet root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant is harvested and dried to form these mulethi sticks, which are used to make teas, syrups, and medicinal concoctions.
What Is Liquorice Good For?
Liquorice has a long history as a natural remedy. Here are some of the key benefits of this herbal wonder:
- Soothes Sore Throats and Coughs: Mulethi is a natural expectorant that helps clear mucus and relieve throat irritation.
- Supports Digestive Health: Licorice aids digestion, reduces acidity, and can help with indigestion and stomach ulcers.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: It helps reduce inflammation both externally and internally.
- Boosts Immunity: Licorice contains antioxidants that support immune function.
- Skin Health: Licorice extracts are used in skin creams for their anti-inflammatory and brightening effects.
- Hormonal Balance: Some studies suggest it may support adrenal health and hormonal balance.
Due to these benefits, liquorice is often found in herbal teas, supplements, and topical creams.
What Is Licorice Most Commonly Used For?
The uses of liquorice are incredibly diverse. Here are the most common ways liquorice is used worldwide:
- Mulethi Sticks and Powder: Used in teas, Ayurvedic medicines, and herbal remedies.
- Liquorice Candy: Popular worldwide, especially black licorice candy, is a favorite treat with a distinct sweet and slightly bitter taste.
- Black Licorice: Often used in candies and sometimes in traditional medicines.
- Red Licorice: A sweet, fruity variation popular mainly in Western countries, although it doesn’t always contain real liquorice extract.
- Salmiak Licorice: A salty variety popular in Nordic countries, combining liquorice with ammonium chloride.
- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): A form of licorice processed to remove glycyrrhizin, reducing side effects, often used for digestive issues.
- Lakerol: A brand of licorice throat lozenges.
- Grape Licorice: A fruity licorice candy variant.
Different Forms of Liquorice
Liquorice comes in many forms to suit various needs:
- Mulethi Sticks: These are the dried roots, chewed or boiled to make tea.
- Powdered Licorice: Used in capsules, powders, and skin care products.
- Liquorice Candy: Available in black, red, salted (salmiak), and flavored varieties.
- Extracts and Supplements: For targeted medicinal benefits.
- Topical creams: For skin conditions.
Interesting Facts About Liquorice
- Liquorice root is about 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar.
- Black licorice has a strong, unique flavor often loved or disliked strongly by people.
- In Ayurveda, mulethi is considered cooling and is used to balance the body's doshas.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is preferred when high blood pressure is a concern since it removes the component that can raise blood pressure
- In Ayurveda, mulethi is considered cooling and is used to balance the body's doshas.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is preferred when high blood pressure is a concern since it removes the component that can raise blood pressure.
🧾 Nutritional Value of Liquorice (Mulethi)
Liquorice root is not only rich in flavor but also contains powerful nutrients and compounds that make it beneficial for health. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional and medicinal components
🍵 How to Use Mulethi (Liquorice) at Home |
Liquorice is easy to use in day-to-day life. Discover a few easy and effective ways to harness the health benefits of Mulethi (licorice):
✅ Mulethi Tea for Sore Throat
Ingredients:
- 1 stick of mulethi
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tsp honey
Method: rush the Mulethi stick into small pieces and steep them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to prepare a soothing herbal infusion.
Strain and add honey. Sip slowly to relieve throat irritation.
✅ Mulethi Face Pack for Clear Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp powdered mulethi
- 1 tsp multani mitti (Fuller's Earth)
- Rose water (as needed)
Method: Mix all into a paste. Apply a thin layer to the face, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water for a refreshed glow. Great for pigmentation and dull skin.
✅ Mulethi & Honey for Cough
Mix ½ tsp mulethi powder with 1 tsp honey. For soothing relief from dry cough or throat irritation, it can be taken twice daily as part of your wellness routine.
⚠️ 5. Warnings & Precautions
While mulethi is natural and beneficial, overuse or incorrect usage may cause side effects. Here are important things to keep in mind:
❌ Avoid If:
- You have high blood pressure
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You suffer from kidney issues
- You are taking diuretics or corticosteroids
⚠️ Possible Side Effects:
- Headaches
- Water retention or swelling
- Increased blood pressure
- Hormonal imbalance (if used long-term)
💡 Before incorporating licorice supplements into your regular routine, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and suitable for your health needs.
(FAQ)
1. What is licorice called in India?
In India, licorice is commonly called Mulethi.It plays a significant role in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly used in traditional home remedies for its healing properties.
2. What is liquorice good for?
Liquorice is known for soothing sore throats, relieving coughs, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and improving skin health.
3. What is licorice most commonly used for?
Licorice is most commonly used in the form of mulethi sticks or powder for herbal teas, licorice candy (especially black licorice), throat lozenges, and dietary supplements.
4. Is black licorice the same as red licorice?
No. Black licorice contains real licorice extract and has a strong, unique flavor. Red licorice usually has a fruity flavor and often does not contain actual licorice extract.
5. What is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)?
DGL is licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin compound removed to reduce side effects like increased blood pressure. It is commonly used for digestive health.
6. Can liquorice candy be harmful?
Consuming large amounts of liquorice candy made with real licorice root can cause health problems, including elevated blood pressure and dangerously low potassium levels.Moderation is important.
7. What are mulethi sticks used for?
Mulethi sticks are primarily used to make herbal teas, which help soothe the throat, aid digestion, and provide other medicinal benefits.
8. Does liquorice have any side effects?
Yes. Consuming large amounts of licorice, especially over a long period, can cause side effects like high blood pressure, headache, and swelling. Pregnant women should avoid excessive intake.
9. What is salmiak licorice?
Salmiak licorice is a salty liquorice candy popular in Nordic countries, flavored with ammonium chloride for a distinctive salty taste.
10. Is liquorice suitable for skin care?
Yes. Licorice extracts are used in skin creams for their anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, helping with conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation.
Conclusion
Liquorice, or mulethi as it’s called in India, is much more than just a sweet treat. Its medicinal qualities make it a valuable natural remedy in many cultures. Whether you enjoy licorice candy, drink mulethi tea, or use powdered licorice for health, this remarkable herb continues to be celebrated for its many uses.
If you’re interested in natural health, exploring the benefits of liquorice is definitely worthwhile. Just remember to consume it in moderation, especially if you have blood pressure concerns, and always consult a healthcare professional when using it for medicinal purposes.
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