Mulethi (Licorice) and its benefits for skin

Mulethi or Licorice Powder is one of the many traditional Ayurvedic remedies. It has several benefits and has been used by Indian women for centuries. Mulethi is an amazing ingredient for skincare and can be used by people with different skin types. Instead of paying thousands of rupees or dollars on expensive skin care products, you can create your amazing skin care masks and creams with Mulethi right at home. Let’s find out the many benefits of Mulethi for your skin and how you can add it to your routine.

Mulethi has been used for decades in home made cough and cold remedies. It can cure sore throat, remove congestion, regulate hormones, improve digestion, reduce skin irritation, and reduce joint pain. This traditional herb has been consumed as root powder in different forms. While we all know the health benefits, Mulethi is amazing for your skin too. The herb is so powerful and potent that it has been mentioned in traditional Ayurvedic scriptures as well.

Mulethi or Licorice has been around for 4000 years! The plant is a legume. It is very similar to a bean. However, its essence lies in the root. Licorice/Mulethi extract is removed from the plant and melted through a boiling process that absorbs much of the water. The two parts extracted are Glycyrrhizin acid and Glabridin. Glycyrrhizin gives Licorice/Mulethi its sweet flavor and is 50 times sweeter than sugar. These two enzymes create a powder or syrup that can be used for skin care and health care.

If you are suffering from hyperpigmentation or pigmentation, you should try Mulethi. This is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It is due to excess melanin deposits in those areas. Regular application of Mulethi or Licorice can reduce pigmentation. This is an excellent natural alternative for people looking to avoid chemical peels or creams. Pregnant women can use it on their stretch marks to reduce the darkness.

People living in tropical climates face heavy sun damage. This can cause burns or tan or patchy skin. Glabridin in Mulethi can reduce skin darkening after sun exposure. Applying Licorice powder directly on your face can help with sunburn or patchy skin. Mulethi also has powerful UV blocking enzymes which can prevent future sun damage.

As we mentioned before, Mulethi can help lighten patchy skin. Similarly it can reduce skin inflammation and irritation. People suffering from eczema or psoriasis should try using Licorice powder in their skin care routine. This will reduce swelling, redness, and burning. You can also consume it in water or as tea to reduce symptoms.

Mulethi is known to firm your skin and improve collagen production. Amino acids are present in the powder which help moisturize and hydrate your skin. Regular application of Mulethi can lead to firm, hydrated skin with less wrinkle damage. Your skin will feel super smooth and stretch easily without feeling rough or harsh. The moisturizing properties make it an amazing winter cream or solution for dry skin.

Mulethi can help control oil production in the skin. If you suffer from acne, your skin will be producing excess oil. Using Mulethi regularly can balance the oil production thus banishing acne and acne marks. Rosacea is another side effect of acne, which means red and flushed skin. Mulethi reduces redness and evens out your skin tone. Unlike other acne treatments that leave scarring, Mulethi leaves minimal to no scarring on your face.

We discussed Mulethi’s UV blocking enzymes earlier. Along with those, Mulethi is full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage. This makes it an excellent anti-aging cream/remedy. Premature aging is very common with our constant exposure to sun and dirt. Using Mulethi on your skin can fight wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging.

Stretch marks and scars are stubborn. Many chemical creams fail against darker or old stretch marks or scars. Mulethi will be able to lighten them with consistent use. Using Mulethi or Licorice will enable your skin to be even toned, brighten, and lighten at the same time.

Mulethi’s anti fungal and antimicrobial properties make it super beneficial for treating wounds or infections. Itchy feet, skin, or arms can be dealt with by applying Mulethi directly on it. You can even drink Mulethi in warm water to reduce the itchiness or cure your wound. Licorice is found in several anti fungal topical creams for this very reason.

You can make Mulethi at home or purchase it from a store. Ensure the authenticity of the root before you buy it. Try a skin patch test on your elbow before applying it to your face. If you see no adverse reaction within 24-48 hours, you can use it on your face or drink it. Licorice is available in juices, creams, and teas in several stores.