Yashtimadhu (Licorice) is one of the most important herb used in Ayurveda since ages. It is used in preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines.
In Sanskrit. – Yashti meaning stem or stalk; and Madhu, meaning sweet.
In Hindi licorice is known as Mulethi.
There are numerous health benefits of Yashtimadhu like bronchitis, cough, sexual weakness, skin problems, jaundice etc. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and hepato protective properties.
Latin name of Licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra that belongs to Fabaceae. Glycyrrhizin is the most bioactive compound of Licorice and the other components present in licorice are antioxidants such as flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, sterols, choline, triterpenoids, lignins, amino acids including asparagine, gums, biotin, folic acid, inositol, lecithin, estrogenic substances, pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, phosphorous, pentacyclic terpenes, protein, sugar, a yellow dye, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and E.
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Health Benefits of Yashtimadhu
Traditionally, Licorice was used as a medicine rather than as a spice. Root is the main part used in medicine. Its root is a demulcent and gentle relaxant, soothing to mucous irritations, and valued chiefly for its sweet taste and in masking the sharpness / pungency / taste of other remedies.
Below are top most 7 Yashtimadhu Benefits such as;
1. Helps Treat Respiratory Problems
Licorice is an effective expectorant, it helps to treat various respiratory problems. It can be taken as oral supplement that helps the body to produce the healthy mucus. Licorice helps to melt the mucus and remove from the body. It is very effective for the patients who are suffering from asthma, cold or difficult breathing.
2. Helps Treat Skin Problems
Licorice has anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties. It is beneficial to treat skin problems like eczema, skin rashes, psoriasis, and itchy and dry skin. It is widely used in the preparation of various cosmetic products like sunscreens. Licorice can be apply in the form of paste that will helps to improve the skin problems.
3. Soothes Digestive Ailments
Licorice is often used to treat digestive and intestinal problems such as dyspepsia (heartburn), gastric ulcer, stomach distress, bloating, and indigestion.
Relieves Acidity and Constipation– Licorice is one of the most effective and common remedy for acidity and constipation. It is useful for relieving heart burn, pain, discomfort and other symptoms related to acidity and constipation. It has spasmolytic effect and also a mild laxative, which soothes and tones the mucous membranes.
Treats Ulcers– Licorice contains flavonoids which are useful in treating ulcers. These flavonoids are known to kill Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that cause most ulcers and inflammations of the stomach.
4. Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and High Cholesterol
Licorice has property to control the cholesterol ranges by enhancing the body’s flow of bile. This may limit the damage from LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. Licorice has also antioxidant action that may enhance capillary health and hinder the growth of arterial plaque.
5. Relieves Pain and Stress
Licorice has anti allergic and analgesic action that provide the relief from pain such as headaches and is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Its action is similar to aspirin. Licorice acts on adrenal gland and it has ability to reduce improve resistance to stress. It can be used for both physical and emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired and run down.
6. Alleviates Menopause Problems
Licorice has mild estrogenic properties similar to other phytoestrogens. It enhances the production of estrogen and interferes with the effects of too much estrogen. Its phytoestrogenic action is useful for hormonal problems including hot flashes, exhaustion, mood swings in women who are going through menopause.
7. Menstrual And Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Cramps
Licorice has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and estrogenic properties that help to ease the symptoms of PMS that includes mood swings, breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, nausea and bloating. It can be used in the form of tea.
Other Benefits of Yashtimadhu
Licorice
can also be used to treat other types of problems such as in arthritis, allergic disorders, asthma, and chronic fatigue, depression due to hormonal imbalance, emphysema, and hypoglycemia. It has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that is useful in various health problems.
How to Use Yashtimadhu?
- It is mainly used in the form of powder, may be used in the amount range from 5 to 6 grams per day.
- It is also used in the form of concentrated extracts may be used in the amounts ranging from 250–500 mg three times a day.
- People also enjoy Licorice tea. It has pleasant taste and no need to add sugar.
How to Make Yashtimadhu Tea?
Boil few pieces of the Licorice root in a 2 cups of water for 15-20 minutes then strain it and Drink two to three cups of this per day to gain the health benefits of licorice.
Hope you are now aware of all major Yashtimadhu benefits. Kindly share this useful information with other on social media for better awareness of this powerful natural property.
