Licorice – My Favourite Ayurvedic Herb

"liquorice roots, on white background"

Licorice or Mulethi is one of my favorite Ayurvedic herbs. It’s versatile, and beneficial, and can be termed a ‘star herb’ for its remarkable impact on health, skin and hair.    Ayurvedic Significance of Licorice   Licorice is called ‘Mulkethi’ or ‘Yashtimadhu’ in Ayurveda.   This herb is mentioned the most number of times throughout the 8 books Acharya Charaka – the father of Ayurvedic medicine, has written. It is, in fact, used as an ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines for different health issues; specifically, it addresses issues ranging from skin diseases to diabetes!     Why I Love Licorice Tea     Licorice tea has been my go-to drink for years. I’ve swapped my morning coffee for this soothing herbal tea; consequently, it’s been a game-changer for my health.   Here’s why: Improves digestion: Licorice strengthens the digestive fire (Agni) and  gives a great digestive boost if consumed as a morning tea. Hence, it is considered perfect for starting the day with a healthy gut.   Balances Dosha: Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is categorised under sweet-tasting herbs. It helps reduce Kapha and Pitta disorders, also, it reduces fever and, in addition, is nourishing and rejuvenating.   Boosts vitality: As the main ingredient of my Ojas tea, it keeps me energized throughout the day.   Slows aging: Its antioxidant properties help in slowing down the aging process. It accelerates the cell renewal process and also, results in a youthful glow on the skin.   Improves complexion: Mulethi brightens the skin and reduces blemishes. Its oral intake, consequently, purifies the blood and, in addition, expels the toxins from the body.  Additionally, it can be used in topical face packs (in a small amount) to add instant glow to your skin.     How to Make Licorice Tea     So, now you know that it is a wonder herb for balancing health as mentioned in our ancient texts. Let’s make a great cup of licorice tea: Take a 1-inch piece of licorice root (not powder). Add it to 2 glasses of water. Boil and reduce it to 1 glass. Sip this warm tea every morning. You can add ½ inch of cinnamon stick and dry ginger to this tea for added benefits. This simple morning tea has improved my digestion, skin health and overall wellness.      Licorice: A Word of Caution!     However, it isn’t for everyone: High B.P.: Avoid if you suffer from hypertension or have a family history of high B.P.   Take breaks: It’s also important to take breaks with these herbs. Consume licorice for a maximum of 3 months, pause for a while and resume.    Use the root: Choose licorice root over powder for the purest form.   Licorice for Hair Care     Healthy, shiny hair is something we all desire, and it plays a vital role in my haircare routine. Here’s my secret hair mask recipe that works wonders: Ingredients: 3 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (soaked overnight) 1 whole egg (or flaxseeds as a substitute) 1 tablespoon yogurt ½ tablespoon hair oil (optional, for dry hair) 10g licorice powder How to Use: Blend the fenugreek seeds into a paste. Mix in the egg, yogurt, and licorice powder. Apply to your scalp and hair, section by section. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. It acts as the secret ingredient in this mask; consequently, it promotes hair growth, adds shine, and cleanses the scalp. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!   Why I Recommend Licorice     From improving digestion to enhancing skin and hair health, licorice has enriched my life. If you’re looking for a natural, versatile herb that supports overall wellness, I highly recommend giving it a try. Whether it’s a warm cup of licorice tea or a nourishing hair mask, this herb is a treasure trove of health and beauty benefits.  Try it and share your experience of using this wonder herb with us!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Herbal Teas: Ayurvedic Benefits and Recipes

In Ayurveda, herbal teas are not just comforting drinks. They also offer many health benefits.   The herbs and spices used in these teas are specifically chosen for their medicinal properties and their capacity to balance the Doshas.   These natural remedies have been used for centuries for overall wellness, making them an integral part of Ayurvedic practices.   Benefits of Herbal Tea   Herbal teas, in addition to their delightful flavors, offer an array of health benefits. Specifically, they:   Reduce stress The body can better handle stress because of the adaptogenic qualities of herbs, like Aparajita. Improve digestion: Pepper and asafoetida, among other ingredients, not only promote healthy digestion but also reduce gas and discomfort. Detoxify: Herbs like neem and turmeric, for instance, help the body rid itself of toxins and, moreover, purify the blood. Improve Immunity: The infection-fighting properties of herbs, such as Ajwain, not only help boost immunity but also enhance overall health. Promote sleep: Teas made with herbs like chamomile and Blue Pea flower soothe the mind, thus improving your sleep quality.   While herbal teas offer many health benefits, it is important to remember that all of these herbs mentioned here may not be suitable for you. It’s always better to consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before you consume any herbs.   More Ayurvedic Benefits of Herbal Teas     Hydration with a purpose   Most of us are well aware that we need to drink more water. But some people find drinking plain water boring. If you’re one of them, try herbal teas occasionally for a change. They provide flavour and hydration. As opposed to caffeinated drinks which dehydrate, herbal teas replenish the fluids and nourish your body. Being caffeine-free, they are a  healthier alternative to traditional teas and coffee.   Balancing the elements   According to Ayurveda, a Dosha imbalance leads to diseases in the body. Herbal teas can act as gentle healers, bringing back the balance. If your body is feeling too hot because of excess Pitta, cooling herbs such as coriander can help balance that heat. If you are a little sluggish from too much Kapha, choose a warming ginger-cinnamon tea to wake you up in an organic way.   Aiding emotional well-being   Ever noticed how a cup of tea feels like a warm hug? Ayurveda explains this so beautifully. There are some herbs which affect our emotions directly. For instance, Brahmi tea clears the head and relieves brain fog; chamomile tea helps fight anxiety. That’s why having tea isn’t simply about sipping on something warm, it’s a way of caring for yourself from the inside out.     Ayurvedic Herbal Tea Recipes     Here are some recipes of herbal teas that serve different purposes. Furthermore, they can provide various health benefits and enhance your overall well-being.   Anti-Anxiety Herbal Tea   This tea is cooling in nature; moreover, it helps with better sleep, reduces anxiety, calms and relaxes the mind, and improves memory. It also works great for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypothyroidism.   Ingredients:   Fresh blue pea flowers Ajwain leaves Water   How to prepare:   Take fresh blue pea flowers and remove the stalks Add them to boiling (hot) water and let them steep Add ajwain leaves for flavor and digestion Drink after dinner   You can also prepare the tea by adding the flowers and ajwain leaves in water and boiling it.   As an Ayurvedic doctor, this tea is part of my daily nighttime routine. It helps me relax after a hectic day!   Herbal tea for digestion (Bharittha Tea)   Bharittha tea, on the other hand, is perfect to drink after having a heavy meal. It alleviates gas, bloating, and indigestion.   The tea also improves the digestive fire or Agni, scrapes off (Lekhana) the excess fat from food, and subsides Vata and Kapha Doshas.   This Bharittha tea recipe is from the Ayurvedic text – Yogaratnakara. Moreover, it highlights the importance of holistic health.   Ingredients:   Water Lemon Pepper Himalayan Pink Salt Asafoetida   How to Prepare:   Boil a glass of water Add a squeeze of lemon to the water Add some pepper, asafoetida, and Himalayan pink salt And your tea is ready   Caution: Avoid this tea if you suffer from acidity, acid reflux, or heartburn.   Licorice tea   This tea is my absolute favourite.   It has helped me a lot; moreover, it is a great replacement for morning coffee.   This is the best thing to drink every morning (in all seasons) for your skin, hair, digestion, and overall health.   Licorice acts as a natural coolant for the stomach and helps reduce inflammation in the throat. This tea also boosts your energy levels naturally.   Ingredients:   Licorice root Water   How to Prepare:   Add 1-inch piece of licorice root to 2 glasses of water and reduce to 1 glass.     Caution: Licorice is not recommended for you if you suffer from hypertension; moreover, if you have a family history of the condition, it is also advised to avoid it. Also, take it for a maximum period of 3 months and stop for a while.   More Ayurvedic Teas for Specific Concerns     Tea for seasonal allergies: Boil tulsi leaves, black pepper, and a pinch of rock salt in water. It clears nasal congestion and strengthens immunity. Tea for weight management: Cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds steeped in hot water can support digestion and help manage weight. Tea for glowing skin: A mix of rose petals, fennel, and licorice can promote clear, radiant skin by balancing Pitta. Tea for menstrual cramps: A soothing blend of ginger, ajwain, and jaggery helps reduce period pain naturally.   Herbal teas are more than just drinks. They are a way to nourish your body, calm your mind, and connect with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom.   When you ditch your regular tea and coffee for herbal teas, you’re giving your body something better – natural goodness, steady… Continue reading Herbal Teas: Ayurvedic Benefits and Recipes