Digestion10 min
A Short Mulethi Tea for Occasional Acidity
A thin tea of a small piece of mulethi root, sipped for a day or two when acidity flares. Not for people with high BP.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
Using mulethi sensibly at home
Mulethi (licorice root, yashtimadhu) is naturally sweet and soothing, which is why it shows up in throat remedies. It contains glycyrrhizin, which in larger or longer use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium.
Licorice root is traditionally used to soothe the stomach lining, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is studied for heartburn. Whole mulethi still contains glycyrrhizin, so keep it short and occasional.
Ingredients
- 1 small piece (2 cm) mulethi stick
- 1½ cups water
How to prepare
- Crush the stick lightly.
- Simmer in water for five minutes and strain.
How to use
- Sip warm after a meal, once a day, for one or two days.
- Avoid spicy, fried food and late dinners meanwhile.
Helpful habits
- Buy dry yellow sticks; they keep for months in a closed jar.
Precautions
- Do not combine with water pills or steroid medicine without a doctor.
- Avoid with high BP, heart or kidney disease and in pregnancy.
- Keep use short, a few days at a time.
- Stop if you notice itching, rash, stomach upset or any other discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take mulethi daily for acidity?
- No; long use can raise BP and lower potassium.
What is DGL?
- A licorice extract with most glycyrrhizin removed, sold as chewable tablets.
Is mulethi the same as licorice candy?
- No, candy is mostly sugar and flavour; mulethi is the dried root.
