Mulethi Benefits for Hair and Skin : Time to Go Back to Our Roots

You may recognize Mulethi from your grandmother’s repertoire of traditional nuskas for various ailments. It’s no surprise that this common Ayurvedic ingredient has found its way into numerous industries worldwide. Mulethi, a perennial herb native to parts of Europe and Asia, has been integral to ancient civilizations for its medicinal properties.

Found in ancient India and China, Mulethi is widely used as a cough reliever in many cultures. In the Western world, its natural sweetness from licorice extract makes it a popular flavoring agent in candies, tobacco, alcohol, and sweeteners. Recent studies on glycyrrhizin, a saponin responsible for this sweetness, have shown promising health benefits.

While Mulethi, or Licorice, is well-known for its expectorant properties and benefits to skin, its lesser-known virtues include boosting immunity, controlling cholesterol levels, enhancing fertility in women, and promoting digestive health—all naturally.

Embracing a holistic approach to hair care, this herb ensures that your hair not only looks radiant but feels healthier and more vibrant with every use. From the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, another hidden gem emerges: Mulethi is a boon for hair of all types—long, short, straight, curly, and even coloured!

MULETHI BENEFITS FOR HAIR - 

1. Strengthening of Roots: Licorice root extract is celebrated for its ability to fortify hair roots with essential nutrients, effectively preventing breakage and enhancing overall hair health. 

This natural extract is rich in various beneficial compounds, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and plant sterols. These compounds work synergistically to nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

2. Hair Growth: Glycyrrhizic acid, found in licorice root extract, is renowned for its ability to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth effectively. This natural compound not only revitalises hair follicles but also aids in their proliferation, which contributes to thicker and fuller hair over time.

One of the key mechanisms by which glycyrrhizic acid promotes hair growth is its ability to regulate the hair growth cycle. It helps extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicles, thereby encouraging longer periods of active hair growth. This prolonged growth phase results in thicker strands and increased hair density over time.

Furthermore, licorice root extract, rich in glycyrrhizic acid, provides essential nutrients and moisture to the scalp and hair follicles. This nourishment strengthens the hair from the roots, improving its overall resilience and reducing the likelihood of breakage.

Glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root extract offers multifaceted benefits for hair growth, from stimulating follicle proliferation to protecting against damage and maintaining scalp health. Incorporating this natural ingredient into hair care routines can lead to thicker, fuller hair and a healthier scalp overall.

3. Hair Loss Prevention: This herb contains specific compounds known to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is crucial in the process of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely associated with hair loss. 

By targeting this enzyme, the herb helps reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp, thereby potentially slowing down or preventing hair loss. This approach is rooted in a scientific understanding of the hormonal mechanisms involved in hair follicle health and provides a proactive solution for those concerned about maintaining their hair density and thickness over time.

4.Restoration of Lustre in Hair: Consistent application of this Licorice extract leads to noticeable improvements in hair shine and bounce, effectively enhancing its natural luster and providing deep conditioning benefits. The herb works synergistically with the hair's natural oils and proteins, revitalising each strand from root to tip. By replenishing essential nutrients and moisture, it supports hair health, making it more resilient to daily stressors and environmental factors. 

This revitalising effect not only improves the appearance of hair but also strengthens its texture, leaving it silky smooth, and manageable. 

Licorice contains over 300 different compounds, some with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for the skin as well. Its benefits for the skin include reducing inflammation, lightening skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, and soothing conditions like eczema and redness.

Liquorice also stands out for its exceptional benefits for skin care. When applied to the skin, mulethi offers a range of advantages that promote not only external beauty but also overall skin health. From its soothing properties to its ability to tackle specific dermatological concerns, the benefits of mulethi on the skin are as diverse as they are effective, making it a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.

MULETHI BENEFITS FOR SKIN - 

Sun Damage Control: Mulethi contains compounds such as glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A, known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Sun exposure can induce skin inflammation, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. Mulethi helps mitigate this by calming the skin and reducing the inflammatory response triggered by UV rays.

Additionally, mulethi is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids that act as antioxidants. These components play a crucial role in neutralising free radicals produced by UV radiation. Free radicals are highly reactive species that can harm skin cells, collagen, elastin, and DNA, accelerating aging signs like wrinkles and sunspots. By scavenging these free radicals, mulethi protects the skin from oxidative stress and minimises damage caused by the sun.

Wrinkle Control: Mulethi aids in wrinkle control primarily through its antioxidant-rich composition, which neutralises free radicals responsible for skin aging. Compounds like glabridin inhibit melanin production and provide you with an even skin tone.

Anti-Blemish and Anti-Inflammatory: Mulethi combats blemishes through its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling. Its antimicrobial effects help control acne-causing bacteria, preventing new blemishes. Mulethi also inhibits melanin production, lightening dark spots and promoting an even skin tone. Rich in antioxidants, it protects skin cells from free radical damage, thus supporting blemish healing. Additionally, mulethi's moisturizing properties maintain skin hydration, reducing dryness that can worsen blemishes.

In order to harness these benefits of Mulethi, creating a licorice extract solution at home can be challenging. Some creative but strenuous techniques to do this are as follows - 

Infused Oil: Chop or grind dried licorice root and infuse it into a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Heat the oil and licorice root mixture gently in a double boiler for several hours to extract the beneficial compounds. Once cooled, strain out the solids and use the infused oil directly on hair or skin.

Water Infusion: Make a licorice root tea by boiling chopped or powdered licorice root in water. Let it steep for at least an hour, then strain out the root. Use the cooled tea as a hair rinse or facial toner.

Alcohol Tincture: Create a licorice root tincture by soaking chopped licorice root in alcohol (such as vodka) for several weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake the mixture daily. After a few weeks, strain out the solids to obtain a concentrated extract. Dilute this extract with water and use it as a scalp treatment or skin toner.

Glycerite: Make a licorice root glycerite by combining chopped licorice root with vegetable glycerin. Let the mixture sit for several weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out the solids and use the glycerite in hair masks or skincare formulations.

Powdered Extract: Purchase licorice root powder and mix it with water or aloe vera gel to create a paste. Apply this paste directly to the scalp or skin as a mask. Adjust the consistency as needed for your desired application.

If you're inclined to try the above method, we recommend preparing for some back-breaking hard work. However, if you prefer to take a more relaxed approach to achieving beauty and want to ease into the process instead, we've got you covered.

For a convenient option to enhance your hair growth journey using licorice goodness, consider TheGoodFeel Grey Away. This product is formulated with antioxidants to shield hair from free radical damage. It includes kojic acid dipalmitate, mulberry extract, and licorice extract, effectively maintaining hair health.

In conclusion, the benefits of mulethi, particularly for skin and hair, underscore its profound therapeutic value in natural skincare and haircare. Mulethi's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm irritated skin, while its antioxidant components protect against free radicals, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion. Its ability to inhibit melanin production aids in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, enhancing skin tone. Additionally, mulethi nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, promoting healthier growth and combating scalp conditions. Whether used in infused oils, masks, or serums, mulethi proves to be a versatile ally in achieving and maintaining vibrant skin and lustrous hair naturally. Integrating mulethi into skincare and haircare routines not only harnesses its centuries-old wisdom but also embraces its holistic benefits for overall well-being.