Can I Eat Mulethi Every Day? Understanding Usage and Risks

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining a daily intake below 100 mg of glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound in mulethi, is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, the amount of this compound varies significantly in different licorice products, making consistent daily use of pure mulethi challenging to manage without expert guidance.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of mulethi is generally not advised for most individuals due to the potential for adverse effects such as high blood pressure and low potassium levels. While moderate, occasional use offers certain benefits, prolonged intake should only be pursued under medical supervision, especially for those with existing health concerns.

Key Points

Risks of Daily Intake: Consistent daily consumption of mulethi is generally not recommended for most individuals due to the risk of side effects like increased blood pressure and low potassium levels, linked to the compound glycyrrhizin.
Recommended Moderation: To maximize benefits and minimize risks, use mulethi in small, occasional quantities. Continuous use should ideally not exceed 4 to 6 weeks without consulting a healthcare professional.
Choose DGL for Lower Risk: For those concerned about the effects of glycyrrhizin, using deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products is a safer option as they contain little to none of this compound.
Individuals to Exercise Caution: People with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart issues, kidney problems, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid mulethi unless specifically advised and supervised by a doctor.
Alternative Consumption Methods: Instead of daily oral intake, consider using mulethi occasionally in forms like teas, mixed with honey, or as chewing sticks to address specific symptoms like a sore throat.
Mandatory Medical Consultation: It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before incorporating any new herbal supplement, including mulethi, into your routine, especially for long-term use or if you have existing health conditions.

Mulethi, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is an herb deeply rooted in traditional Ayurvedic practices and other forms of traditional medicine. This sweet-tasting herb is frequently utilized for its purported soothing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive characteristics. A common inquiry among those interested in natural health is whether incorporating mulethi into a daily routine is safe and beneficial.

Potential Risks Associated with Daily Mulethi Consumption

The primary consideration regarding regular, long-term mulethi intake is the presence of glycyrrhizin. While this compound contributes to mulethi's distinct sweetness and some of its effects, consuming it in substantial quantities or over prolonged periods can potentially lead to health complications. The significant concerns are linked to its influence on blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance.

Notable Side Effects from Extended Use

Elevated Blood Pressure: Glycyrrhizin exhibits a mineralocorticoid-like effect, potentially causing the body to retain sodium and water while increasing potassium excretion. This can result in elevated blood pressure, posing a particular risk for individuals with hypertension or existing cardiovascular conditions.
Electrolyte Imbalance: The depletion of potassium, known as hypokalemia, can manifest as muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, and in more severe cases, irregular heart rhythms.
Hormonal Interactions: High levels of glycyrrhizin consumed over a long duration might interfere with hormone levels. Some reports suggest a potential impact on estrogen levels, which could affect conditions like endometriosis or PCOS in women.
Fluid Retention (Edema): The body's tendency to retain sodium and water can lead to swelling, commonly observed in the lower extremities as edema.

Considerations for Duration and Intake Levels

Experts in healthcare generally advise against continuous, daily use of pure mulethi for extended periods without taking breaks. Many recommendations suggest limiting uninterrupted use to a duration of no more than 4 to 6 weeks. Following such a period, a pause is typically advised to allow the body's electrolyte balance to stabilize. For those interested in more frequent use, considering products with reduced glycyrrhizin, often labeled as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), may be a more suitable option.

Advantages of Moderate and Occasional Mulethi Use

When utilized judiciously and for limited durations, mulethi can offer valuable health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing properties have made it a traditional remedy for common ailments.

Potential Benefits Versus Risks of Mulethi Consumption


Aspect	Occasional, Moderate Mulethi Use	Long-Term, High-Dose Mulethi Use
Blood Pressure Impact	Minimal or no significant change	Potential for significantly increased hypertension
Potassium Levels	Typically remain within normal range	Risk of developing hypokalemia (low potassium)
Respiratory Relief	Aids in soothing sore throats, coughs, and acts as an expectorant	Side effects may outweigh benefits; not suitable for chronic respiratory issues without medical guidance
Digestive Aid	May help alleviate acidity, indigestion, and bloating	Could potentially cause digestive discomfort like heartburn in excessive amounts
Immune Support	Contains antioxidants that may support immune function	Potential health risks overshadow general immune support in long-term use
Hormonal Influence	May offer some support for adrenal function when used moderately	Risk of causing or worsening hormonal imbalances, particularly in women

Methods for Safe Mulethi Incorporation

Individuals seeking to experience mulethi's benefits while mitigating the risks of daily intake can explore several safe approaches:

Mulethi Infusion: Preparing a tea by boiling a small segment of mulethi root or a quantity of powder in water for a brief period (5-10 minutes) can be a comforting remedy for conditions like a sore throat or cough.
Combined with Honey: Mixing a small quantity of mulethi powder with honey is a traditional method for providing immune support or soothing a dry cough.
Chewing Pieces: Chewing on a small piece of mulethi root for a short duration is another traditional practice for relieving throat discomfort.
Topical Application: For potential skin benefits, mulethi powder can be mixed with agents like rose water or milk to create a paste for external application as a face mask, thereby avoiding oral consumption.
Utilizing DGL Products: If there are concerns regarding blood pressure or if more frequent use is desired, opting for products derived from deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), from which most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed, is a recommended alternative.

The Significance of Consulting Healthcare Professionals

For anyone managing pre-existing medical conditions, including hypertension, cardiac issues, or kidney ailments, seeking advice from a qualified healthcare provider is essential before initiating any form of mulethi supplementation. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are typically advised to avoid mulethi entirely due to its potential impact on hormone levels. A medical expert can offer tailored guidance and monitor health parameters to help prevent adverse effects. Further information on the variability of glycyrrhizin content in different licorice products can be found on reputable sources like Examine.com, contributing to safer herbal medicine practices.

Conclusion

In summary, the practice of consuming mulethi every day is generally not recommended for most people unless under the guidance of a medical professional. While mulethi is a potent herb with a range of beneficial properties, the consistent, daily intake of pure forms carries potential health risks. These risks, such as elevated blood pressure and imbalances in electrolytes, are primarily attributed to the glycyrrhizin content. For the majority of individuals, the most prudent approach involves using mulethi in moderation and for limited periods to address specific health concerns, or selecting deglycyrrhizinized alternatives. By exercising caution with the frequency and duration of use, and by always consulting with a healthcare provider, especially when managing existing health conditions, individuals can potentially benefit from this traditional remedy while minimizing associated risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excessive intake of mulethi, particularly over extended periods, can potentially lead to elevated blood pressure, decreased potassium levels (hypokalemia), fluid retention, and possible hormonal disturbances, largely due to its glycyrrhizin content.

Yes, consistent daily consumption of mulethi has the potential to increase blood pressure. The glycyrrhizin within licorice can influence the body to retain sodium and water, simultaneously increasing the loss of potassium.

Using mulethi occasionally and for short durations is generally considered safer for addressing specific, temporary ailments such as a sore throat or indigestion. Daily, long-term use is typically discouraged unless under professional medical guidance due to the risk of side effects.

Individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney disease, hormonal issues, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid regular mulethi intake. It may also interact with certain medications.

For most healthy adults, using small amounts of mulethi, such as in traditional remedies for a limited time, is considered safe. The World Health Organization suggests a limit on glycyrrhizin intake.

DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is a form of mulethi where most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed. DGL products are generally regarded as safer for more frequent or prolonged use because they pose less risk regarding blood pressure and electrolyte balance compared to standard licorice.

Safe ways to use mulethi include preparing a tea using a small amount of the root or powder, combining a pinch of powder with honey, or chewing a small piece of the root briefly for throat relief. These methods focus on moderate, short-term application.