Yashtimadhu, also known as licorice root, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. This sweet-tasting herb boasts a rich history of use in various cultures, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and ancient Greece. But beyond its flavor, Yashtimadhu offers a surprising array of potential health benefits.
What is Yashtimadhu?
Yashtimadhu is the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It’s native to Europe and Asia and thrives in moderate climates. The root is the main part used medicinally, containing a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for its sweetness and many potential health properties.
Benefits of Yashtimadhu
Digestive Support
It is known for its soothing properties in the digestive tract. It acts as an effective antacid that also reduces the HCL level in the stomach. The glycyrrhizic acid in Yashtimadhu is also known to suppress the growth of H. pylori. Thus helping with gastritis, ulcers, and heartburn by promoting a healthy gut lining.
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Reduces Stress, Depression and anxiety
Including licorice root in your daily diet helps control stress hormones. Thus reducing depression, anxiety and stress.
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Immune System Booster
Some studies suggest Yashtimadhu may enhance the immune system’s response to fight off infections.
Respiratory Relief
Yashtimadhu’s demulcent properties may help soothe coughs and ease irritation in the respiratory tract. Yashtimadhu is used as a herbal medication to get relief from cold, cough, throat irritation, bronchitis, sore throat, and various other respiratory issues.
Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects
Research suggests Yashtimadhu may possess anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief from discomfort associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Skin Health
Topical application of Yashtimadhu may be beneficial for soothing eczema and other skin conditions.
With the passing of time, the skin develops aging signs and dark spots due to excess exposure to the sun. Yashtimadhu intake treats these spots easily and quickly, offering the skin a new look. A component in mulethi called glabridin is highly effective for skin and treats sunburns.
Prevent Hair Fall
Mulethi is the best herbal medication or powder for women with excess hair fall. It is rich in flavonoids and phytoestrogens; both are plant components that improve the head’s scalp and hair health.
It also prevents scalp infection by stimulating hair growth.. Some hair experts state that mulethi powder helps soothe irritating scalps by reducing dandruff.
Regulates Blood Sugar Level
The mulethi contains a very potent phytoestrogen compound known as glabridin that offers a sweet taste to the individual when they eat roots. This compound also plays an essential role in regulating the blood sugar level of the human body.
Important Note: While the potential benefits of Yashtimadhu are promising, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Uses of Yashtimadhu
- Tea: Enjoy a cup of soothing Yashtimadhu tea for digestive relief or a sore throat.
- Supplements: Yashtimadhu is available in capsule or powder form for targeted use.
- Topical Creams: Look for creams containing Yashtimadhu for potential skin benefits.
Yashtimadhu Side-Effects:
According to some reports, it is found that if pregnant women take Yashtimadhu powder, it will lead to low IQ in the child. Apart from that, it also causes preterm labor, because of which it is not recommended to have Yashtimadhu during pregnancy.
Also it has estrogenic properties thus interrupting the menstrual cycle and hence is to be taken only under doctor’s advice.
Furthermore, this herb is not suggested for people suffering from high BP and low potassium levels. If the individual takes an excessive dosage of licorice, it will lead to vomiting, nausea, and high blood pressure. That means, without the advice of an expert, you should not take this herb.
No doubt, Yashtimadhu being the herbal plant, is safe for people. But it should be taken under the supervision of an expert if you are suffering from the conditions like Uterine fibroids, Heart or kidney issues, High blood pressure, women taking birth control pills or any other hormonal medication, Low potassium level in the blood, Fluid retention, Congestive heart failure, Lower sugar levels in the blood, Hypertonia, Loss of libido, Erectile dysfunction.