Mulethi, also known as licorice, is very popular in the Ayurveda world. Known as Yashtimadhu, mulethi is great for our health. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti aging, wound healing, rejuvenating, and immune-enhancing properties. A 2013 study published by the National Library of Medicine also revealed that licorice extract helps to improve hyperpigmentation. Read on to find out what an expert has to say about using mulethi for skin lightening.
Health Shots connected with Mumbai-based Ayurvedic expert Dr Lakshmi Varma K to know all about mulethi and skin care.
Benefits of mulethi
Mulethi is commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations. Its extensive use in medicines is due to its long list of benefits. Dr Varma says it helps in improving the eyes, hair, brain and skin health. It is very useful in conditions of fever, sore throat, allergies and skin diseases. In fact, it is a common herb that is used in Indian homes for sore throat.
Mulethi is great for skin because it –
1. Prevents sun damage to skin
It helps treat sunburns, protect from UV rays, and remove dark spots due to overexposure to the sun. So, it helps to restore your natural skin colour.
2. Reduces wrinkles
Due to its anti-aging, rejuvenating and antioxidant properties, mulethi helps to bring back the tone of skin and reduce wrinkles.
3. Helps to minimise scars
It has wound healing properties which enhance easy healing and prevent dark scars after injuries, keeping the skin blemish-free.
4. Cures skin conditions
Its anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-toxic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in various skin ailments like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and fungal infections, says the expert.
5. Prevents acne and soothes inflammation
Anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic and anti-oxidant properties of mulethi help to remove toxins from the skin. This helps to control the formation of acne and also helps to soothe the irritation and burning sensations caused by acne or any external environmental irritants.
Mulethi for skin lightening
It has been a part of Indian skin care since ancient times. Mulethi helps in complexion enhancing and skin lightening. Dr Varma says it is a very good remedy for hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Tips to use mulethi
You can use mulethi by adding it to your face packs or have it with milk. Some easy methods to use mulethi for skin lightening or to treat hyperpigmentation are:
1. Yashtimadhu Ksheerapaka
Ksheerapaka means milk decoction. Take one teaspoon of mulethi and one-fourth teaspoon of turmeric and add them to a glass of milk. Drink it at night so that it can help to combat skin conditions by purifying the blood.
2. Yashtimadhu face packs
• Use mulethi powder with turmeric and rose water face pack to fight acne and inflammation.
• Mulethi powder and kumkumadi oil will help to deal with dry skin and dark spots.
• Mulethi powder with milk and multani mitti is a good home remedy for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Mulethi powder and sandalwood powder are also good for hyperpigmentation and oily skin.
The expert says mulethi face packs can be used for at least 3 to 6 months for great results. External use can be done every day without any complications. But for internal use, you need proper dosage and a consultation with an expert. Use mulethi with caution if you are pregnant, have high sugar levels or take medications for high blood pressure.
But for most people, mulethi is an effective home remedy for skin problem, including hyperpigmentation.
