mulethi is hot or cold for body - #37236
I am feeling really confused about something and could use some help. Lately, I’ve been trying to use more natural remedies, you know, trying to get into Ayurveda and stuff. I came across mulethi, and I’ve heard it’s super good for various health issues. But here’s the thing — I’ve asked a couple of friends whether mulethi is hot or cold for body, and I keep getting different answers! One says it's hot and can create more heat in the body, while another claims it's cold and soothing. Just last week, I started having some digestion issues and mucus build-up, and I thought mulethi could help since I read it’s good for respiratory health too. Honestly, I’ve been taking it in teas and even mixing it in warm milk, but I’m not sure what I'm supposed to expect. Is mulethi hot or cold really? If it can create more heat, should I be careful with that? I mean, I thought using it would help but I don’t want to make things worse. Can anyone share their insight on this? Especially what it might mean for someone like me who tends to run warm anyway. Thanks a ton!
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Doctors’ responses
Mulethi, also known as licorice root, is an interesting herb in Ayurveda with multifaceted beneficial properties. Its taste is sweet (madhura rasa), and it has a cooling (sheetala) quality, making it soothing for the body. Despite appearing contradictory, its cooling nature balances pitta dosha, helping in conditions like acidity or heartburn, and simultaneously alleviates vata, supporting respiratory health. It can be especially beneficial during seasonal transitions, where mucus buildup or digestive discomforts may arise.
Taking mulethi if you tend to run warm can actually be advantageous—it helps cool down the pitta excess heat. However, be cautious with dosage and frequency, especially since you’ve mentioned feeling warm naturally. Excessive use may overcool or cause water retention in some people due to its sweet and heavy nature.
For addressing your digestion issues and mucus build-up, integrating mulethi should be done judiciously. Consider taking a small quantity—about half a teaspoon of mulethi powder mixed in warm water or tea once a day. It would be ideal to consume it in the morning, after meals when digestive fire (agni) is awakened and functioning optimally. If incorporated in warm milk, ensure it’s not too hot to maintain its cooling effect.
balanced diet with emphasis on warm, easily digestible foods like soups or stews can help support the digestive system alongside mulethi. Monitor how your body responds, especially if there’s any discomfort or unusual symptoms.
Lastly, avoid long-term use without guidance from a skilled practitioner since its glycyrrhizin content can potentially affect blood pressure and potassium levels. If you have underlying health conditions or are on medications, it’s advisable to consult healthcare provider before proceeding.

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