Do you know an ancient plant remedy that warriors and soldiers took for their stamina? It is the Yashtimadhu!
Yashtimadhu, commonly known as Liquorice or Mulethi, is a tall perennial plant renowned for its high medicinal value. Scientifically named Glycyrrhiza glabra and belonging to the Fabaceae family, its name is derived from Greek: 'glykos' meaning 'sweet' and 'rhiza' meaning 'root', aptly naming it 'sweet root'. In Ayurveda, the herb Yashtimadhu derives its name from 'Yashti,' meaning 'wood,' and 'Madhu,' meaning 'honey,' thus it is known as 'honey-like wood.'
Despite being 40 to 50 times sweeter than sugar, Yashtimadhu is an excellent remedy for regulating blood sugar due to the compound glycyrrhizin, which gives it its distinct sweet taste. Revered as 'Sarvarogaprashamani,' meaning 'medicine that cures all maladies,' this herbal powder was widely recommended by ancient physicians to soldiers and warriors to enhance their endurance and stamina.
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
- Taste (Rasa): Sweet (Madhura)
- Potency (Virya): Cold (Sita)
- Quality (Guna): Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdh)
- Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata and Pitta, nurtures Kapha
- Special Properties: Improves eyesight (Chakshushya), enhances strength (Balya), acts as a rejuvenator (Rasayana)
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF YASHTIMADHU
1. Respiratory & Digestive Disorders
Yashtimadhu has traditionally been used in Ayurveda to treat various respiratory and digestive issues. It is particularly effective in treating chronic acidity, ulcers, and bronchial conditions. Studies have shown that licorice can activate ulcer healing processes.
2. Reduces Stress & Depression
Including licorice root in your daily diet can help control stress hormones, thereby reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels.
3. Controls Cholesterol
Licorice root is highly effective in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the body while simultaneously increasing the levels of healthy cholesterol.
4. Boosts Immunity
One of the key benefits of Mulethi is its ability to boost the immune system, which strengthens the body's capacity to fight off diseases and illnesses.
5. Keeps Liver Healthy
Licorice root helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and is beneficial in treating jaundice, thereby maintaining overall liver health.
6. Treats Skin Disorders
Licorice root is extremely beneficial for the skin, helping to treat various conditions such as rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin, thus promoting overall skin health.
7. Weight Management
Licorice root is considered an effective remedy for weight loss. Including it in your diet, along with a regular exercise routine, can help burn excess fat from the body.
8. Treats Sore Throat
Licorice root is an excellent remedy for curing sore throat and cough. It is also effective in treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and asthma.
9. Relieves Fatigue
Licorice is known to relieve tiredness and fatigue by providing instant energy due to its sweet and rejuvenating properties.
10. Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Licorice reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process in cases of IBS due to its cooling and healing nature.
11. Relieves Arthritis
According to Ayurveda, arthritis is called Sandhivata, where aggravated Vata causes pain and swelling in the joints. Licorice balances Vata and provides relief from arthritis symptoms.
LICORICE BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN
1. Prevents Sun Damage
Licorice can topically fade sun spots and create an even skin tone. It contains UV-blocking enzymes that protect the skin and prevent sun damage.
2. Brightens Skin
Topical application of licorice powder to affected areas can naturally treat hyperpigmentation, resulting in smoother and brighter skin.
3. Fades Scars
Mulethi powder helps speed up the process of evening out skin tone and minimizing the appearance of scars. It is recommended for topical application to those with scars.
4. Treats Wrinkles
The antioxidants in licorice powder block free radicals from harming the skin, thus protecting it from premature aging. Additionally, the UV-blocking enzymes ward off sun damage and protect the skin.
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