Mulethi (Licorice Root): Digestive Benefits & Research

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), known in English as licorice root, is one of Ayurveda's most widely used digestive and gut-soothing herbs, with a substantial body of modern clinical research behind it.

What Is Mulethi?

Mulethi is the dried root of the licorice plant, used across Ayurvedic, Unani, and Western herbal traditions. Its sweet taste comes from glycyrrhizin, though most modern digestive-focused extracts are deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) to remove the compound linked to blood pressure and electrolyte side effects with heavy, prolonged use.

What Is Mulethi Traditionally Used For?

Ayurvedic tradition uses Mulethi to soothe the digestive tract, ease acidity, and support the throat and respiratory system — it's one of the most common ingredients in classical digestive formulations.

What Does Research Say About Mulethi and Digestion?

Licorice is one of the better-studied herbs for digestive complaints. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (618 participants) evaluated licorice's effect on peptic ulcer symptoms and outcomes (ScienceDirect). A phase III double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (GutGard®) found significant improvement in gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms compared with placebo over 28 days (PubMed). Older classic trials on deglycyrrhizinised liquorice in gastric ulcer patients showed mixed results across different formulations and dosing — worth knowing, since not every licorice preparation performs the same in trials (PMC).

This research reflects studied effects of standardized, often deglycyrrhizinated extracts — not a claim that Mulethi treats or cures ulcers, GERD, or any digestive condition. Anyone with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a diagnosed digestive condition should consult a doctor before regular use, since glycyrrhizin-containing licorice can raise blood pressure with heavy or prolonged intake.

Which Kusom Product Contains Mulethi?

Mulethi is a key ingredient in Digesturn Masala, Kusom's everyday spice blend formulated for digestion, gut health, and liver support.

FAQs

Is Mulethi safe for daily use?

At culinary-spice amounts, Mulethi is generally well tolerated. However, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention with heavy, prolonged use — people with hypertension, heart, or kidney conditions should check with a doctor first.

Is Mulethi the same as licorice candy?

No. Most licorice candy in Western markets uses anise flavoring rather than real licorice root, and even where it does contain licorice, the concentration and purpose are entirely different from a food-grade Ayurvedic spice blend.