Liquorice or licorice is the common name of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a flowering plant of the bean family Fabaceae, from the root of which a sweet, aromatic flavouring can be extracted.
Licorice is said to have a soothing effect on skin and helps to ease inflammation. The glycyrrhizin found in licorice can reduce redness, irritation and swelling, and is used to treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Licorice has a natural skin lightening effect, and it can be used topically on areas of discoloration to encourage an even complexion.
Mulethi or licorice powder is one of the most popular ingredients used in ayurveda to treat certain ailments. In India, it is a common ingredient found in every household and often given to someone to chew on if they have a sore throat or nasal congestion. This traditional herb is the answer to obesity, respiratory problems, gastric issues, skin infections, joint pain and more. In Ayurveda, this root powder is called Yashtimadhu, and it is derived from the stem of licorice. Slightly yellow in colour, with a strong odour, it is rich in calcium, glycyrrhizin acid, antioxidants, antibiotics and protein.
Benefits of Licorice Powder:
Prevents sun damage
Regular exposure to the sun causes dark spots and age spots making you look older than your age. Applying licorice topically fades sun spots and leads to an even-looking skin tone.
Brightens skin
Hyperpigmentation is a common problem faced by many women. Topical application of licorice powder to the affected area naturally treats hyperpigmentation, giving your skin a smooth and brighter look.
Fades scars
Scars caused by acne or injuries can take a long time to heal. Mulethi powder helps speed up the process by evening out skin tone and minimising the appearance of scars.
Treats wrinkles
Environmental aggressors and stress lead to premature skin ageing. The antioxidants in licorice powder block free radicals from harming the skin, thus protecting it from premature ageing. The UV-blocking enzymes ward off sun damage and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Prevents hair fall
Licorice powder promotes blood circulation in the scalp and nourishes the roots by supplying vital nutrients to the hair follicles. This helps arrest hair fall as well as condition the hair, adding a healthy shine to it.
Cures dandruff
The antibacterial properties in mulethi powder curbs dandruff and other scalp infections that cause itching on the scalp.
Promotes hair growth
It promotes blood and oxygen supply to the hair, which helps promote hair growth.
Prevents premature greying
Ayurveda strongly suggests that consuming and applying mulethi powder to the hair can prevent premature greying. The wide range of antioxidants and nutrients in this natural ingredient will give you the best hair.
Country of Origin: India
