what is mulethi - #23235

Mulethi, indeed is also known as licorice root, and it’s been traditionally used in Ayurveda for its soothing properties. You’re right, it’s often recommended for persistent coughs and sore throats. The active compounds in mulethi, like glycyrrhizin, have anti-inflammatory and demulcent (soothing) effects, which might be why you’ve heard it’s beneficial for throat issues.

To use mulethi, one of the most common methods is to prepare a tea. You can do this by taking a small piece of mulethi root (around an inch or so should be good) and boiling it in water for about 10-15 minutes. After that, strain the liquid and sip it slowly while it’s warm. Drinking this herbal teas up to 2 times a day might help in soothing your throat and alleviating some cought symptoms.

If you’re looking to support your digestion, mulethi can sometimes be combined with other herbs like ginger or fennel. This combination can help balance vitiated doshas, particularly Pitta and Vata, which might be contributing to both throat and digestive issues. Overly spicy, fried, or processed foods should generally be avoided - these tend to aggravate Pitta and Vata doshas further.

However, just a word of caution: mulethi is not without side effects. Overuse can lead to elevated blood pressure, water retention, lowered potassium levels, and can be particularly concerning for people who have heart issues or high blood pressure. Therefore, it’s important not to exceed the recommended doses. Generally, it’s better to limit usage to a small piece once or twice a day and to not use it continuously for more than 4-6 weeks.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid mulethi, or at least consult with a healthcare provider first. So definitely consult with a healthcare professional, someone familiar with Ayurveda would be fantastic before adding it to your regime, especially if you’re on medication or have pre-existing health conditions.

I truly hope that mulethi can be a part of finding you some relief with your cought!