{"id":2363,"date":"2026-09-21T10:12:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellhealthorganicayurveda.org\/?p=2363"},"modified":"2026-09-21T10:12:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:12:57","slug":"yashtimadhu-mulethi-benefits-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellhealthorganicayurveda.org\/hi\/ayurveda\/yashtimadhu-mulethi-benefits-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"\u092f\u0937\u094d\u091f\u093f\u092e\u0927\u0941 (\u092e\u0941\u0932\u0947\u0920\u0940): \u0907\u0938\u0915\u0947 \u092a\u093e\u0930\u0902\u092a\u0930\u093f\u0915 \u0909\u092a\u092f\u094b\u0917 \u0914\u0930 \u0932\u093e\u092d\u094b\u0902 \u0915\u0947 \u0932\u093f\u090f \u090f\u0915 \u0938\u0902\u092a\u0942\u0930\u094d\u0923 \u092e\u093e\u0930\u094d\u0917\u0926\u0930\u094d\u0936\u093f\u0915\u093e"},"content":{"rendered":"

For generations, Mulethi<\/strong> has been a familiar ingredient in Indian homes. Many people know it as the sweet-tasting root used traditionally for throat discomfort, while in Ayurveda it is known as Yashtimadhu<\/strong> or Madhuyashti<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there is more to Yashtimadhu than its familiar use as a household herb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Ayurveda, Yashtimadhu has a long history of traditional use in areas including the throat, voice, respiratory system and digestive health. At the same time, modern research has investigated licorice root for several specific uses, although the quality and strength of evidence vary considerably by condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also an important side of Mulethi that is often overlooked: natural does not automatically mean suitable for everyone<\/strong>. Yashtimadhu contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause problems such as increased blood pressure and low potassium when consumed in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly is Yashtimadhu? What does Ayurveda say about it? What benefits are traditionally associated with it, and what does modern research actually tell us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yashtimadhu at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>Information<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Ayurvedic name<\/strong><\/td>Yashtimadhu \/ Madhuyashti<\/td><\/tr>
Common Indian name<\/strong><\/td>Mulethi \/ Mulathi<\/td><\/tr>
English name<\/strong><\/td>Licorice \/ Liquorice<\/td><\/tr>
Botanical name<\/strong><\/td>Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Family<\/strong><\/td>Fabaceae<\/td><\/tr>
Part commonly used<\/strong><\/td>Root and stolon<\/td><\/tr>
Characteristic taste<\/strong><\/td>Naturally sweet<\/td><\/tr>
Important constituent<\/strong><\/td>Glycyrrhizin<\/td><\/tr>
Traditional system<\/strong><\/td>Ayurveda and other traditional medical systems<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Ministry of AYUSH’s E-Charak database identifies Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em> as Mulathi and lists the root as the part used. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India also identifies Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em> as the botanical source of Ya\u1e63\u1e6d\u012b M\u016bla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Yashtimadhu (Mulethi)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yashtimadhu is the Ayurvedic name commonly used for Mulethi, the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/a><\/em>.<\/strong> It is also known internationally as licorice or liquorice root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The root has a naturally sweet taste, which is one reason Mulethi has traditionally been used in preparations where a pleasant taste is desirable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Indian traditional medicine, Mulethi is not simply viewed as a sweetening ingredient. It has been used in different formulations and preparations for a range of traditional applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India lists Ya\u1e63\u1e6d\u012b M\u016bla<\/strong> as Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em> stolon and root, establishing its identity as an Ayurvedic raw drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Yashtimadhu Called Mulethi?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may come across several names for the same herb:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yashtimadhu \u2192 Mulethi \u2192 Licorice \u2192 Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Indian languages also have their own names for the herb. An official pharmacopoeial monograph lists names such as Mulethi, Yashtimadhu, Jethimadhu and related regional names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word Yashtimadhu<\/strong> is traditionally understood in relation to the sweet nature of the herb, while the English name licorice is used internationally for plants of the Glycyrrhiza<\/em> genus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One useful distinction is worth remembering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Mulethi is the common Indian name; Yashtimadhu is its familiar Ayurvedic name; and Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/em> is the botanical identity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This distinction becomes particularly useful when buying powders, capsules, extracts or other herbal products because different products can contain different forms or concentrations of licorice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yashtimadhu has an established place in Ayurvedic medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ministry of AYUSH’s list of essential Ayurvedic medicines includes Yashtimadhu\/Madhuyashti\/Yashti Churna<\/strong> and associates it traditionally with applications including Rasayana, Kasa, Shvasa, Vranaropana, Kshaya and Svarabheda<\/strong>. The same government document also gives precautions relating to obesity, hypertension, oedema and long-term use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ayurvedic properties of Yashtimadhu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Ayurvedic descriptions generally discuss herbs through concepts such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Rasa<\/strong> \u2013 taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Guna<\/strong> \u2013 qualities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Virya<\/strong> \u2013 energetic potency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Vipaka<\/strong> \u2013 post-digestive effect<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dosha effects<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    For Yashtimadhu, these properties help explain why the herb has traditionally been incorporated into preparations intended for different systems of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, it is important not to reduce Ayurveda to a list of isolated benefits. The way an Ayurvedic practitioner selects an herb can depend on the individual’s prakriti, vikriti, symptoms, digestion, age, diet, other medicines and the formulation being used<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is one reason why the same herb should not automatically be used in the same quantity or for the same duration by everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Traditional Uses of Yashtimadhu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu has traditionally been used in several areas of Ayurveda. These traditional applications should not be confused with modern clinical proof of effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu for Throat and Voice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Mulethi is perhaps best known in India for its traditional association with the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ayurvedic preparations containing Yashtimadhu have traditionally been used in situations involving throat discomfort and changes in voice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Modern research has also investigated licorice preparations for specific throat-related applications. For example, NCCIH notes that licorice gargles or lozenges may help reduce sore throat following intubation in some surgical settings, although this does not mean that ordinary Mulethi should be considered a universal treatment for sore throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If throat pain is persistent, severe or accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, medical evaluation is more appropriate than relying only on an herbal remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu for Cough and Respiratory Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Traditional Ayurveda includes Yashtimadhu among herbs used in respiratory-related formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Ministry of AYUSH’s essential medicines document lists Kasa<\/strong> and Shvasa<\/strong> among the traditional indications associated with Yashtimadhu Churna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, it is important to understand the difference between traditional use and treatment of a diagnosed respiratory disease<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mulethi should not be presented as a replacement for medical treatment for asthma, pneumonia, persistent bronchitis, tuberculosis or other respiratory conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu and Digestive Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Another commonly discussed traditional application of Mulethi is digestive comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Licorice has been investigated for various digestive complaints, but according to NCCIH, it remains unclear whether licorice products used alone have meaningful effects on digestive symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore, a responsible explanation would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu has a history of traditional digestive use, but modern evidence is not strong enough to describe it as a proven treatment for every digestive complaint.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This distinction matters, particularly for people experiencing recurring acidity, abdominal pain, reflux or other persistent symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu and Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Licorice-derived preparations have also attracted interest in topical skin applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Preliminary research has investigated topical licorice preparations for conditions such as eczema symptoms and wound or burn healing, but NCCIH notes that more research is needed to establish effectiveness and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why it is better to say has been studied for<\/strong> rather than making broad claims such as Yashtimadhu cures skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Does Modern Research Say About Yashtimadhu?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is where traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence need to be considered separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Licorice root has been studied in human research, but NCCIH concludes that there is not enough high-quality evidence to clearly support licorice for any specific health condition overall<\/strong>. Some individual applications have shown promising or preliminary results, but the evidence varies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Area studied<\/th>What current evidence suggests<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Postoperative sore throat<\/strong><\/td>Some evidence suggests gargles\/lozenges may help in specific surgical settings<\/td><\/tr>
    Recurrent mouth ulcers<\/strong><\/td>Some studies suggest potential benefit from licorice preparations<\/td><\/tr>
    Certain skin applications<\/strong><\/td>Preliminary evidence exists, but more research is needed<\/td><\/tr>
    Digestive symptoms<\/strong><\/td>Evidence remains unclear<\/td><\/tr>
    General wellness claims<\/strong><\/td>Not enough high-quality evidence to make broad treatment claims<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The important takeaway is that research on a specific licorice preparation does not automatically prove that every Mulethi powder, tea or capsule will produce the same result<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Preparation, concentration, dose and duration can all matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Benefits: What Can You Realistically Expect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When people search for Yashtimadhu benefits, they often expect a simple list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A more useful way to understand the herb is to separate traditional benefits from scientifically established effects<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Traditionally used to soothe the throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu has a long-standing traditional association with the throat and voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Traditionally used in respiratory formulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Ayurvedic formulations containing Yashtimadhu have traditionally been used for respiratory complaints such as Kasa and Shvasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Traditionally used for digestive comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Mulethi has a history of traditional digestive use, although modern evidence for licorice alone remains inconclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Studied for certain oral-health applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Some clinical studies have examined licorice-containing preparations for recurrent mouth ulcers and oral health. Results are promising in some contexts but should not be generalized to every licorice product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Studied in topical preparations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Licorice extracts have been investigated for some skin applications, but evidence remains preliminary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What about immunity boosting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This is a claim frequently attached to herbal products online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is better not to describe Yashtimadhu as a proven general immunity booster<\/strong> without specifying the particular preparation and evidence behind the claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Traditional use can be discussed, but it should not be presented as equivalent to clinical proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Use Yashtimadhu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu can be found in different forms, and these forms are not necessarily interchangeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Root<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The dried root or stolon is the traditional raw herbal material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It may be used as an ingredient in traditional preparations, but the amount and method of preparation matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Powder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Churna is a commonly encountered Ayurvedic form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Ministry of AYUSH lists Yashtimadhu\/Madhuyashti\/Yashti Churna as an essential Ayurvedic medicine and gives a dose context of up to 12 g<\/strong>, while simultaneously listing obesity, hypertension, oedema and long-term use as precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is an important reason not to copy a single dosage number and present it as suitable for every person<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Tea or Infusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Some people prepare Mulethi as a beverage or infusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The concentration can vary significantly depending on the quantity of root used and the preparation method, so a homemade preparation should not automatically be equated with a standardized extract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yashtimadhu Extracts and Capsules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Extracts and capsules may contain more concentrated amounts of constituents than the raw root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n