Description

Mulethi

Touted in Ayurveda as ‘Yashtimadhu’, the herb is so named as the word ‘Yashti’ infers to ‘wood’ and ‘Madhu’ means ‘honey’, together making it ‘honey-like wood’. Even though the herb is 40 to 50 times sweeter than sugar, it is an excellent remedy for regulating blood sugar. The distinct alluring aroma of mulethi root comes from the presence of a biochemical compound anethole whereas its signature sweet taste is due to the compound glycyrrhizin.

Ancient folk remedies depict the use of this root as a sexual vigour enhancer owing to its natural aphrodisiac nature. Famed as ‘Sarvarogaprashamani’ (i.e. medicine that cures all maladies), the herbal powder was widely recommended by ancient physicians to soldiers and warriors in order to improve their endurance and stamina. Apart from its plethora of curative benefits, the licorice root is quite popular in Middle Eastern and Asian cooking. For decades, the root powder has been used as a flavouring agent in candies and sweets.