Licorice or Mulethi is a medicinal herb which is used in various Ayurvedic medicines. Its underground stems and roots are used for medicinal purpose. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Mulethi is useful in cough, sore throat, bronchitis, skin problems, jaundice, hoarseness, vata dosha, ulcers etc. It has demulcent and expectorant properties. the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, analgesic (pain-relieving) and expectorant properties of this is sweet, moist herb have been established worldwide. It is also diuretic, rejuvenating and mildly laxative in nature. These properties have helped Licorice find a place in both Eastern and Western medicine for treating an array of ailments, ranging from cold and cough to arthritis, respiratory, digestive and liver problems.

An 84-year-old Montreal man treated for high blood pressure, was sent to the emergency room after he consumed too much of homemade licorice tea. Licorice or mulethi is a herb that is native to Mediterranean, southern and central Russia, Asia and Iran. It is usually taken by mouth for dealing with issues related to the digestive system such as heartburn, stomach ulcers and inflammation in the lining of stomach to name a few. Mulethi is often taken by people for sore throat, cough, bronchitis and infections caused by bacteria or viruses. The Montreal-based man experienced severely elevated blood pressure along with symptoms of chest pain, headache, fatigue, fluid retention in calves and light sensitivity. Experts at the US Food and Drug Administration mention that glycyrrhizin is a compound in black licorice, which is obtained from the licorice root. This compound can reduce potassium levels in the body. Reduction in potassium levels can make people experience abnormal heart rhythms and result in an increase in blood pressure. It may also result in edema, congestive heart failure and lethargy. The main mechanism of licorice occurs in kidneys where it increases re-absorption of salt and water, thus leading to water retention and high blood pressure. It is therefore important to be aware of side effects of excess consumption of mulethimmul tea. You should consult your doctor before going ahead with its consumption. Source: Click here