Mulethi, also known as Licorice or Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), belongs to the Fabaceae plant family. It is a perennial herb that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. Mulethi is widely known for its sweet flavour and various health benefits.
 
I. Cultivation and Processing
 
A. Cultivation and Harvesting of Mulethi Roots 
Mulethi prefers well-drained, loamy soil and full sun exposure. It is typically grown from seeds or root cuttings, and the plants are ready for harvest after three to four years. The roots are harvested in the fall, cleaned, and then dried for future use. [1]
 
 
B. Buying and Keeping
When purchasing Mulethi, look for roots that are firm, dry, and unbroken. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve their quality and potency. [2]
 
 
II. Nutritional Information of Mulethi Roots
 
A. Flavor Description
Mulethi has a sweet, earthy taste with a hint of bitterness. Its sweetness is attributed to the compound glycyrrhizin, which is several times sweeter than sugar. [3]
 
 
III. Usage and Applications of Mulethi Roots 
 
A. Uses
Mulethi has a variety of uses, including as a flavouring agent in food and beverages, as a sweetening agent in herbal teas, and as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. [5]
 
B. Recipes and Home Remedy Formula
 
Liquorice root, harvested from a semi-tropical plant in the bean family native to Europe and parts of Asia, is widely recognized for its culinary and medicinal properties. It's an incredibly sweet herb, thanks to the presence of glycyrrhizic acid, which makes it up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. Liquorice root is not only used in candies but also in pharmaceuticals as a natural sweetener and flavour enhancer.
 
Licorice boasts a range of health benefits, including powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe arthritis and boost digestive health. It aids in producing more mucus in the stomach lining, reducing issues like ulcers, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. Liquorice root can also act as an expectorant, laxative, adrenal agent, and demulcent.
 
Common applications of liquorice root involve treating digestive problems, thinning mucus for asthma relief, promoting adrenal gland hormone production, and providing relief from constipation and canker sores.
 
This woody perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia, can grow up to 6 feet high and bears purple flowers. The root is harvested when the plant is three or four years old.
Dosage recommendations vary based on the form of liquorice root used:
 
Tincture: Mix 1/2 tsp with 100 ml water and take twice daily.
Powder: Apply directly to canker sores for relief.
Decoction: Drink 1 cup twice daily for constipation.
Dried juice stick: Chew to alleviate digestive issues.
 
However, liquorice root may not be suitable for everyone. If you have anaemia, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before using this herb.