Mulethi (Licorice Root)
India's favourite throat soother — but mulethi does far more than help a sore throat. Here's what it does for your gut, adrenals, and skin, and why the dosage limits matter.
Mulethi (licorice root) soothes your digestive tract, protects your stomach lining, helps with acid reflux, and supports your adrenal glands. The key is using the right form — DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) removes the compound that can raise blood pressure.
Good for you if: You have acid reflux or GERD, deal with throat irritation, want to protect your stomach lining, or need adrenal support.
Dive deeper into the researchCommon side effects
- Regular licorice (not DGL) can raise blood pressure — stick to DGL for daily use
- Limit regular licorice root to 1–2g per day and max 4–6 weeks
- Can lower potassium levels — monitor if on diuretics
What does mulethi do?
Mulethi works as a demulcent — it coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes in your throat, stomach, and intestines. For acid reflux, it helps strengthen the protective mucous layer of your stomach, reducing the damage from stomach acid.
It also supports your adrenal glands by slowing the breakdown of cortisol — which can help if you have adrenal fatigue or very low cortisol. However, this same mechanism is why long-term high-dose use can cause problems (elevated cortisol, high blood pressure).
What can you expect?
- Sore throat relief — noticeable within hours of chewing or drinking as tea
- Less acid reflux — improved stomach lining protection within 2–4 weeks
- Better gut comfort — reduced gastritis and stomach ulcer symptoms
- Adrenal support — more sustained energy if you have very low cortisol
- Skin benefits — topical licorice extract helps with hyperpigmentation
How to take it
For gut health: 250–500 mg DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) chewed before meals. For throat: Chew a small stick of mulethi or drink as tea.
DGL is the safe form for daily long-term use. Regular licorice root should be limited to 1–2g/day for max 4–6 weeks.
Critical distinction: DGL has the glycyrrhizin removed — this is the compound that causes blood pressure problems. For daily gut use, always choose DGL. For short-term throat relief, regular mulethi sticks are fine.
When to avoid it: High blood pressure (regular licorice only), heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium, pregnancy.
Which form to buy?
| DGL tablets | Mulethi sticks | Powder | Tea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Daily gut health | Throat relief | Traditional use | Soothing drink |
| How much | 250–500 mg before meals | 1 small stick/day | ½–1 tsp in warm water | 1–2 cups/day |
| Cost | ₹300–600/60 tabs | ₹50–150/100g | ₹100–200/100g | ₹100–250/box |
| Long-term safe? | Yes | Limit to 4–6 weeks | Limit to 4–6 weeks | Moderate is fine |
For daily use, DGL tablets are the safest option. For occasional throat relief, mulethi sticks (available at any Indian grocery) are the simplest.
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Get early accessFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between DGL and regular licorice?
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has the glycyrrhizin removed — this is the compound that can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. DGL gives you the gut-soothing benefits without the blood pressure risk, making it safe for long-term daily use.
Can mulethi help with acid reflux?
Yes. DGL licorice helps strengthen the mucous layer that protects your stomach and oesophagus from acid. Studies show it can be as effective as some antacids for mild to moderate reflux, typically improving symptoms within 2–4 weeks.
Why do people chew mulethi sticks in India?
Chewing mulethi is a traditional remedy for sore throat, cough, and voice clarity. The glycyrrhizin coats and soothes irritated throat membranes. It's also used as a natural mouth freshener. Just limit use to short periods.
Is mulethi safe during pregnancy?
No — avoid mulethi and licorice during pregnancy. Glycyrrhizin may affect fetal development and increase the risk of preterm delivery. Even DGL should be used with caution — consult your doctor.
How it works in your body
Glycyrrhizin (the main active compound in regular licorice) inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, the enzyme that converts active cortisol to inactive cortisone in your kidneys. This means more cortisol stays active — useful for adrenal support but problematic long-term (sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension). DGL removes this compound while preserving the flavonoids (liquiritin, glabridin) that provide the demulcent and anti-inflammatory gut benefits.
What the studies show
- Acid reflux: DGL shown to improve GERD symptoms comparable to antacids in multiple trials
- Stomach ulcers: Enhanced mucosal defence and reduced H. pylori activity
- Sore throat: Licorice gargle reduced post-surgical sore throat in anaesthesia studies
- Skin: Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase — effective for hyperpigmentation
- Adrenal: Cortisol-sparing effects documented in adrenal insufficiency
Side effects & safety
DGL is very safe. Regular licorice root requires caution:
- High blood pressure — Regular licorice (not DGL) can raise BP by 5–15 mmHg. Avoid if hypertensive.
- Low potassium — Glycyrrhizin causes potassium loss. Dangerous if combined with diuretics.
- Oedema — Fluid retention (swelling in legs/ankles) from sodium retention.
- Hormonal effects — Can lower testosterone in men and affect oestrogen levels. Limit duration.
- Drug interactions — Interacts with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, and digoxin.
Who should skip it: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium, or hormonal conditions. Pregnant women. Anyone on diuretics or heart medication.
Which labs to check
If you want to track your response properly, get these tested before you start and again at 8–12 weeks:
- Blood pressure — critical if using regular licorice
- Potassium levels — glycyrrhizin depletes potassium
- Cortisol (morning) — if using for adrenal support
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