Winter in Pakistan is a season full of charm; the foggy mornings invite warmth from cozy shawls, and countless cups of chai pepper the days. However, this delightful season also ushers in an increase in coughs, colds, flu, and throat irritation. Enter mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), also known as licorice root, a time-tested natural remedy with mounting scientific support for respiratory health.
Mulethi has been a staple in South Asian and Middle Eastern traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research indexed in PubMed is uncovering just how its key components particularly glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, and glabridin, contribute to respiratory well being. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, demulcent, and expectorant properties.
WHY MULETHI WORKS FOR RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Mulethi acts like a botanical multitasker, making it especially beneficial during the winter months in Pakistan when viral infections surge, smog irritates airways, and dry air strains the throat.
1. NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTION
Research from PubMed shows that licorice bioactive compounds, such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin. can inhibit NF‑κB and MAPK signaling, thereby reducing pro‑inflammatory cytokines like TNF‑α, IL‑6, and IL‑1β.
In particular, a PubMed‑indexed study found that licoflavanone (a flavanone from Glycyrrhiza glabra) modulates the NF‑κB/MAPK pathway in macrophages, reducing expression of COX‑2, iNOS, and inflammatory cytokines.
This anti‑inflammatory research helps explain why mulethi has long been used to soothe coughs and throat irritation.
2. SOOTHES SORE THROAT AND DRY COUGH
Mulethi’s demulcent properties provide a protective layer over mucous membranes, helping to calm throat soreness. Combined with its anti‑inflammatory actions, it can help reduce irritation of the airway tissues.
PubMed research supports these tissue‑protective and soothing effects via modulation of inflammatory pathways.
3. ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES
According to PubMed‑indexed studies, glycyrrhizin. the principal active ingredient in mulethi, has demonstrated antiviral activity against SARS‑CoV-2 by inhibiting the viral main protease (M^pro), which is essential for viral replication.
In an in vivo study in hamsters, prophylactic treatment with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract significantly reduced lung viral load, decreased lung pathology, and lowered the expression of pro‑inflammatory cytokine mRNAs.
A review on PubMed highlights the broader potential of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract for COVID-19: they may disrupt viral entry (e.g., interaction with host ACE2), modulate immune responses, and limit oxidative stress.
4. HELPS CLEAR PHLEGM (EXPECTORANT ACTION)
Licorice compounds like liquiritin and liquiritigenin have shown promising effects in early lab and animal studies. They appear to increase mucus secretion, ease airway irritation, and reduce coughing, which supports their traditional use as natural expectorants. Human trials are still limited, but current evidence suggests these compounds help soothe the respiratory system by calming inflammation and supporting normal mucus flow.
HOW TO USE MULETHI SAFELY IN WINTER
Mulethi is widely accessible in Pakistan: in herbal shops, bazaars, or pre‑packaged as tea. Here are some gentle, practical ways to include it in your winter wellness routine:
• Mulethi Infused Warm Tea: Steep a small slice of dried mulethi root in hot (not boiling) water for 5–10 minutes, then sip.
• Herbal Cough Syrups: Use syrups that list mulethi (licorice) as an ingredient for added soothing and expectorant benefit.
• Steam Inhalation: Add a few pieces of mulethi root to hot water and inhale the steam, especially helpful when your throat is sore or your airways feel tight.
• Hot Water Infusion: Simmer a small piece of dried root in hot water for a more concentrated decoction (you can add cardamom or ginger for flavor).
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
While mulethi is generally safe for short‑term, moderate use, research from PubMed cautions that:
• High or prolonged intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to sodium retention, potassium loss, and elevated blood pressure, as shown in studies that detail its effect on MAPK/NF-κB and downstream inflammatory pathways.
• Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, or pregnancy should consult a healthcare provider before using mulethi regularly.
• If you are on diuretics or blood pressure medications, combining mulethi with them requires caution because of potential effects on electrolyte balance.
• Even though traditional and laboratory data are strong, long-term high-dose use of licorice extract may pose risks; the beneficial respiratory effects observed in preclinical models do not justify overuse without medical supervision.
WHY MULETHI FITS PERFECTLY IN PAKISTANI WINTERS
With the particular challenges of winters in Pakistani cities, like,
• Dry, cold air that irritates the throat
• Increased viral respiratory infections (cold + flu)
• Smog episodes in urban areas
• More indoor crowding, easier spread of respiratory germs
Mulethi’s anti‑inflammatory, soothing, antiviral, and expectorant properties make it a fitting and gentle botanical ally. While not a cure all, it supports respiratory resilience in a historically grounded and evidence informed way.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Mulethi is much more than just a folk remedy. Research from PubMed supports the action of its main compounds, especially glycyrrhizin and certain flavonoids, on inflammation, viral processes, and mucus regulation in the respiratory system. Though it is not a substitute for medical care, mulethi can be a well-tolerated, science‑aligned herbal support for respiratory health during the winter months.
This winter, incorporating mulethi into your routine, via tea, steam, or mild decoctions, could be a gentle, evidence-informed way to support your throat and lungs.
FAQs:
Q1: Can mulethi cure coughs and colds?
No, mulethi is not a cure for viral infections but can help soothe throat irritation, reduce inflammation, and support mucus clearance as shown in PubMed‑indexed studies.
Q2: How much mulethi is safe to consume daily?
Moderate short-term use is generally safe (e.g., a cup of mulethi tea once or twice daily). Long-term or high-dose consumption may lead to elevated blood pressure or electrolyte imbalances.
Q3: Can children consume mulethi?
Small amounts in tea are typically safe for children, but consult a pediatrician before regular use, especially in children with hypertension or kidney issues.
Q4: Can I use mulethi if I am on blood pressure medications?
Caution is advised. Glycyrrhizin in mulethi can affect sodium and potassium balance, which may interact with certain medications. Consult your healthcare provider first.
Q5: Are there alternatives to tea for consuming mulethi?
Yes, mulethi can be used in herbal syrups, steam inhalations, or mild decoctions.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedy, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
CALL TO ACTION
Support your respiratory health this winter! Try incorporating mulethi in warm teas, herbal syrups, or steam inhalations, and enjoy its soothing, science-backed benefits. Share your experience with friends and family to help them stay cozy and healthy too.
Read more: https://pharmahealths.com/breast-milk-gut-health-benefits/
REFERENCES
• Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra compounds. PubMed.
• Licoflavanone inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling in macrophages. PubMed.
• Glycyrrhizin inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease in vitro. PubMed.
• Prophylactic Glycyrrhiza glabra extract reducing viral load in the SARS-CoV-2 hamster model. PubMed.
• Broad antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin against respiratory viruses. PubMed.
• Safety considerations and metabolic effects of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) intake. PubMed.
