Top 10 Benefits of Licorice (Mulethi): Uses & Remedies

Introduction

Licorice, known as Mulethi (ملٹھی) in Urdu, is one of the most famous medicinal herbs in Tibb-e-Unani and Tibb-e-Nabawi ﷺ. It has been used for centuries to treat cough, sore throat, stomach problems, and many chronic illnesses. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and antioxidants that make it a powerful healing agent.

Nutritional Value of Licorice (Per 100g)

• Calories: ~375 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 93 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Calcium: 7% DV
• Iron: 12% DV
• Potassium: 37% DV
• Glycyrrhizin: 6–14% (main medicinal compound)

Health Benefits of Licorice (Mulethi)

1. Relieves Cough & Sore Throat
   Licorice tea is a natural expectorant, used in Tibb-e-Nabawi ﷺ for throat infections.
2. Improves Digestion
   Soothes gastric ulcers, acidity, and constipation.
3. Boosts Immunity
   Its antioxidants fight against viral and bacterial infections.
4. Supports Liver Health
   Used in Unani medicine for hepatitis, fatty liver, and detoxification.
5. Relieves Stress & Anxiety
   Licorice root tea calms the nervous system.
6. Regulates Hormones
   Balances female hormones and helps in PCOS and menopause.
7. Protects Heart Health
   Reduces cholesterol and supports healthy blood circulation.
8. Skin Benefits
   Used in creams for whitening, pigmentation, and eczema.
9. Boosts Memory
   Tibb-e-Unani considers Mulethi as a brain tonic for weak memory.
10. Anti-inflammatory
    Reduces arthritis pain, joint swelling, and asthma.

Side Effects of Excess Licorice

• High blood pressure
• Low potassium levels
• Water retention
• Headaches & fatigue
• Should be avoided in pregnancy (without medical advice)

11 Remedies of Licorice (Mulethi)

1. For Cough & Cold
   Boil 1 teaspoon Mulethi + 2 Cloves + 1 piece Ginger in water. Drink twice daily.
2. For Sore Throat (Tibb-e-Nabawi ﷺ)
   Chew a small piece of Mulethi or make tea with honey.
3. For Gastric Ulcer
   Mix ½ tsp Mulethi powder + 1 tsp Honey. Take before meals.
4. For Liver Detox (Unani Medicine)
   Licorice tea with fennel seeds supports liver cleansing.
5. For PCOS & Hormonal Imbalance
   Take Mulethi powder with cinnamon in warm water daily.
6. For Memory Boost
   ½ tsp Mulethi powder with warm milk before sleeping.
7. For Skin Whitening (Topical Use)
   Apply paste of Mulethi powder + Rose water on dark spots.
8. For Arthritis Pain
   Licorice tea twice daily reduces inflammation.
9. For Anxiety & Depression
   Drink licorice tea with a pinch of saffron.
10. For Weight Loss
    Mulethi tea before breakfast improves metabolism.
11. For Asthma
    Decoction of Mulethi + Honey helps in breathing problems.

Licorice in Tibb-e-Unani

• Acts as Muqawwi Dimagh (brain tonic)
• Used in Joshanda for cough, flu, asthma
• Strengthens heart & liver
• Useful in sexual weakness

Licorice in Tibb-e-Nabawi ﷺ

• Mentioned as a soothing herb for throat and chest diseases
• Prophet ﷺ recommended herbs like honey + Mulethi for cough

External References

• Healthline – Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects of Licorice Root
• National Library of Medicine – Licorice Root Research