Licorice or mulethi is roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is Native to Mediterranean regions and now gown in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and South India.
Licorice is expectorant, ant allergic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, mild laxative, antistress, antidepressive, antiulcer, the liver protective, estrogenic, emmenagogue, antidiabetic. It is useful in treating stomach ailments, ulcer, arthritis and upper respiratory infections.
Botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.
Family: Papilionaceae; Fabaceae
Indian name: Mulethi, Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashtyaahvaa, Madhuli, Madhuyashtikaa, Atirasaa, Madhurasaa, Madhuka, Yastikaahva, Yashtyaahva, Yashti, Yashtika
No doubt mulethi is useful in treating various health conditions but it should always be taken in recommended doses and for advised duration. Its recommended dose in the form of root powder is 2 gm to 4 gms.
Licorice use is safe when taken in smaller doses for a longer period and also in larger amount for short term (maximum up to a month) as a medicine.
If you take large doses for prolonged period then it may cause
Increased sodium in the body that causes high blood pressure
Fluid retention, weakness
Low potassium in the body
Increased estrogen
It should be used cautiously in patients suffering from hypertension, kidney problems, and elderly.
Licorice is a natural herbal and completely safe when used as medicine for short term. The need is to take in recommended dose only.