Health Benefits of Mulethi, Licorice Root , Mulethi Anti-ulcer activity

Health Benefits of Mulethi

Liquorice, commonly called as mulethi in India, is a popular condiment that not only acts as a good flavouring agent but is also widely used home remedy because of its widespread medical properties. It has been in use since ancient times in Indian Ayurveda as well as in Chinese medicine. This medicinal herb has wide reaching health benefits and thus, is of great value in naturally treating sore throat, chest congestion, strengthening of bones and muscles, kidney problems, bronchitis, mouth ulcers, hair loss, etc to name a few.
The medicinal property of mulethi is mainly because of the presence of powerful phytochemicals namely flavonoids, chalcones, saponins and xenoestrogens. Glycyrrhizin (salts of glycyrrhizic acid) is a popular saponin found in roots of mulethi that is responsible for the characteristic sweet taste (50 times more sweet than sugar) flavor. Liquiritin, licoflavonol, liquiritigenin, etc are the common chalcones that provide the distinct yellowish color to mulethi; while, the aroma of its root is mainly because of anethole.

Top 5 Benefits of Mulethi :-

1.Anti-ulcer activity – 
The potent antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties of licorice makes it the best natural medicinal aid to treat ulcers of stomach, intestine and mouth. The compound carbenoxolone synthesized from glycyrrhizin plays key role in healing mouth and gastric ulcers along with reducing gastric secretions and promoting development of intestinal mucus lining.  

2.Understanding the Benefits of Mulethi-
Use mulethi to fight against inflammation. Mulethi contains glycyrrhizin and numerous flavonoids, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
The anti-inflammatory nature of mulethi makes it helpful against skin irritants, including those responsible for rashes. Apply mulethi topically to treat skin conditions.
When consumed, the anti-inflammatory nature of mulethi can treat chronic inflammation associated with arthritis and autoimmune disease.
Since mulethi also contains antioxidants, it is commonly used to treat inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It can even be used to heal ulcers already formed in these areas of the digestive system.

3.Liver protection – 
Licorice is one of the most common traditional remedy used to treat jaundice. Its antioxidant property is the key for preventing your liver from the action of free radicals and toxic materials. This herb is also reported to exhibit protection against diclofenac induced toxicity and also, in inhibiting damage of liver.

4.Aids Weight Reduction-
Obesity is a serious condition that you can combat with licorice. The flavonoids in this herb help reduce excessive fat accumulation in the body.
In a 2009 study published in the Obesity Research and Clinical Practice journal, researchers found that licorice flavonoid oil helps reduce total body fat and visceral fat in overweight people.
Those who took 900 mg of the oil daily for 8 weeks noticed a significant decrease in visceral fat area, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and bad (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) cholesterol.
Eating licorice (or licorice flavonoid oil) may help in the prevention and treatment of obesity. However, avoid licorice candy, which is loaded with added sugar.

5.Heart healthy effects –
 Research studies have proved that licorice roots help in controlling cholesterol levels by increasing the body’s flow of bile and also reducing high blood cholesterol levels. The anti-oxidant property of licorice acts in increasing the blood capillary health, reducing inflammation, prevents blood vessel damage and block development of arterial plaque.