HEALTH BENEFITS OF LIQUORICE ROOT | MULETHI.

Health Benefits Of Liquorice Root (Mulethi).

(An ancient traditional herb in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine).

• Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Glycyrrhiza-sweet wood).
• Family: Fabaceae (Legumes and Peas family).
• Kingdom: Plantae.
• English Name: Liquorice.
• Hindi Name: Jethimadhu.
• Sanskrit Name: Yashtimadhu.
• Kannada Name: Atimadhura.
• Tamil Name: Athimadhuram.
• Marathi Name: Jeshthamadh.
• Gujarati Name: Jethimadh.
• Bengali Name: Yastimadhu.
• Telugu Name: Atimaduramu.
• Malayalam Name: Irattimadhuram.

About Liquorice Plant

• Type: Perennial Plant.
  
• Length: 1-2 meters tall.
• Root Length: 3-4 feet long.
• Leaves: Dark Green Colored Pinnate Leaves.
• Flower: Yellow or Purple Colored.
• Cultivation: Lower Himalayan Regions.
• Climatic Condition: In Moderate Rainfall and Warm Climates.
• Soil Type: Fertile Sandy Soils.

Chemical Composition & Nutritive Value

• Taste: 50 times sweeter than sucrose due to the presence of Glycyrrhizin (Triterpenoid).
• Colour: Yellow due to the presence of Flavonoids.

(10g of Liquorice contains):

• Calories: 34 (141 kJ).
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7.8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 4.8 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Calcium: 13 mg
• Alcohol: 0 g
• Iron: < 1 mg
• Vitamin A: 0 mg
• Vitamin C: 0 mg

Medicinal Properties of Liquorice

• anti-inflammatory,
• anti-allergy, 
• anti-oxidant, 
• anti-bacterial, 
• anti-microbial, 
• anti-viral, 
• anti-ulcer.

Medicinal Health Benefits

• Improves oral health: 

Due to its anti-bacterial & anti-microbial properties, it can minimize the growth of bacteria inside the mouth and keeps the teeth and gums free from cavities, bad breath and reduce plaque.

• Improves skin tone:

The anti-bacterial property of Licorice protects the skin from harmful Ultraviolet Radiations. It can also help in acne marks and treating pigmentation of the skin.

Licorice powder can be used as a face pack for various skin benefits.

Licorice powder: 1 tbsp.

Milk: 100 ml.

Yogurt: 2 tbsp.

Olive oil: 5 drops.

Mix all and apply on the face.

Wash it off after 30 minutes.

• Helps in weight reduction:

Licorice help to lower unnecessary fats collected in the body as it contains Flavonoids. Overweight people can use Licorice oil and consume Licorice supplements to reduce visceral fat. Licorice intake can also cure Obesity conditions as well.

• Care for Respiratory Infections:

Licorice root can heal bronchitis and cough problems as it has bronchodilator & expectant properties which reduces chronic asthma also.

• Boosts immunity: 

Enzymes present in roots of licorice boost macrophages and lymphocytes inside the body increases immunity helpful in fighting from pollutants, and microbes.

• Care for Digestive Problem: 

The strong compounds like Carbenoxolone and Glycyrrhizin present in Licorice root help to relieve heartburn, stomach discomfort, acidity and various stomach infections.

• Eases menopausal symptoms:

Licorice root has a beneficial effect on menopausal hot flashes as it contains Phyto estrogenic blends useful in maintaining hormonal imbalance to ease symptoms of menopause like depression, mood swings, insomnia, etc.

Available forms of Liquorice

• Dried roots are available at various herb marts.

• Powdered retailed as mulethi powder.

• Capsules are available at various medical stores named as DGL (Di-glycyrrhizinated Licorice).

• Extracts forms.

Dosage

• For children: 0.5 mg - 1 g.
• For adults: 5 g.
• It should take always in the advised dosage.
• It is not recommended for more than 1 month for anyone.

Overdosing symptoms

• Headache
• High blood pressure 
• Weakness
• Shifts in menstrual flow in females.
• Not suggested during pregnancy.
• Do not intake Licorice during pregnancy.
• Do not intake Licorice during breastfeeding.
• Not suggested for those people who have blood pressure problems as it increases blood pressure.
• Do not take Licorice with diabetic medicines as it reduces blood sugar levels.

(All content and images are for educational purpose).

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