Can I have mulethi every day for better health?

December 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), licorice root is generally safe as a food ingredient but daily or large amounts can cause serious adverse effects. This is a crucial consideration for anyone asking, "Can I have mulethi every day?", as moderation is key to avoiding health complications.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of mulethi, or licorice root, is not recommended long-term due to its glycyrrhizin content, which can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and hormonal issues. While offering benefits like soothing respiratory and digestive ailments, it must be used in moderation and under professional supervision, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Key Points

Not for Prolonged Daily Use: Due to the compound glycyrrhizin, consuming mulethi every day, especially long-term or in large amounts, is not recommended without medical supervision due to risks like high blood pressure and low potassium.
Risk of High Blood Pressure: Glycyrrhizin causes sodium and water retention, which can significantly increase blood pressure, posing a risk for those with hypertension.
Potential for Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): Long-term intake can cause potassium levels to drop dangerously, leading to muscle weakness, cramps, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
Use in Moderation for Short-Term Relief: Mulethi is safe and effective for short-term use (up to 4-6 weeks) to soothe respiratory issues like coughs and sore throats or aid digestion.
Interact with Medications: Mulethi can interfere with drugs, including those for blood pressure and diuretics. Always consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Safe Alternatives Exist: If you need regular digestive support, consider deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had the harmful glycyrrhizin removed.

While mulethi (licorice root or Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used in traditional medicine, its suitability for daily consumption depends on moderation and individual health. The compound glycyrrhizin is the main concern, as excessive or long-term consumption can lead to serious health complications. Understanding potential side effects and contraindications is crucial for safe use.

The Health Benefits of Mulethi

Mulethi offers several health benefits including respiratory and digestive support. It also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in skin health and boosting the immune system.

The Risks of Daily or Excessive Consumption

The primary risk of daily mulethi intake comes from glycyrrhizin, which can lead to health issues. Long-term use is typically defined as more than 4 to 6 weeks, or consuming large doses.

Potential Health Risks Associated with Mulethi Overuse

Excessive mulethi use can increase blood pressure, lower potassium levels, and interact with medications.

How to Use Mulethi Safely

To enjoy mulethi's benefits without the risks, follow safe usage guidelines. Moderation and avoiding long-term, uninterrupted use are key. For more detailed information on the dangers of licorice root, refer to {Link: DrOracle.ai https://www.droracle.ai/articles/97668/dangers-of-licorice-root}.

Daily Mulethi vs. Intermittent Use Comparison Table


Feature	Intermittent (Short-Term) Use	Daily (Prolonged) Use
Usage Period	Up to 4-6 weeks at a time	Not recommended without medical supervision
Dose	Moderate amounts	Any consumption regularly beyond safe limits can be risky
Primary Benefit	Targeted relief for symptoms like coughs, colds, and digestion issues	Long-term risks outweigh potential benefits due to glycyrrhizin accumulation
Key Risks	Low risk of adverse effects if used as directed	High risk of hypertension, hypokalemia, and other complications
Consultation	Advisable, but especially critical for high-risk groups	Mandatory for continuous use and before starting

Conclusion: Can I have mulethi every day?

Can I have mulethi every day? For prolonged periods without medical supervision, the answer is no. While beneficial for short-term and moderate use, long-term daily intake poses significant risks due to glycyrrhizin. Always adhere to recommended usage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional, especially with pre-existing conditions or medications. Use mulethi mindfully for its therapeutic benefits.

: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, daily or excessive mulethi consumption can cause high blood pressure due to its glycyrrhizin content. Glycyrrhizin causes the body to retain sodium and water, which raises blood pressure. This risk is especially high for people with pre-existing hypertension.

Yes, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has the glycyrrhizin removed, is a safer option for more consistent use. It provides many of the digestive benefits of mulethi without the risk of affecting blood pressure or potassium levels associated with long-term intake.

It is generally safe to take mulethi for short-term use, typically not exceeding 4 to 6 weeks. Prolonged daily use without a break and medical supervision is not recommended due to potential side effects.

Pregnant women and individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, low potassium levels, or hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid mulethi. Those on blood pressure medications, diuretics, or corticosteroids should also be cautious due to potential drug interactions.

Yes, mulethi can interact with several medications. These include blood pressure drugs, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, and corticosteroids. It is crucial to consult your doctor before using mulethi if you are on any medication.

You can use mulethi for short-term relief from a sore throat or cough for a few days. However, you should not continue this for an extended period, such as more than 4-6 weeks, without medical advice.

No, it is not safe to consume mulethi during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In high amounts, mulethi can potentially lead to preterm delivery and may not be safe for the baby. There is a lack of reliable safety information for breastfeeding mothers.

For most people without contraindications, moderate daily consumption for a short duration (4-6 weeks) may be considered. However, the appropriate amount depends on the form and concentration, and medical advice is recommended.