Breathe Easy Naturally: How Mulethi Helps Fight Pollution-Related Respiratory Problems

The Growing Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health in India

Be it Delhi, Gurugram, Bathinda, Gorakhpur, Kanpur or Rohtak, come winters and air pollution levels often rise far above safe limits. According to India’s National Clean Air Programme, millions face health risks from fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emitted by vehicles, stubble burning, urban smog and industrial pollution. Prolonged exposure doesn’t just cause irritation - it can trigger bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, throat infections, and reduced lung capacity.

Mulethi Powder – A Promising Natural Remedy for Respiratory Stress

While air purifiers and face masks can help reduce exposure, the importance of strengthening respiratory system from within cannot be undermined. One of Ayurveda’s most trusted herbs for this purpose is Mulethi - also known as Licorice root or Glycyrrhiza glabra.

In this blog, we discuss the benefits of mulethi powder as one of the most promising supportive natural strategies for pollution-related respiratory stress - how it works, what the studies show, and how you might include it in daily life.

Mulethi - the Sweet Medicine

Used in Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, mulethi is valued for its naturally sweet taste and powerful medicinal compounds, especially natural phytochemicals like glycyrrhizin (GA), liquiritin (LQ), glabridin (GB) and liquiritigenin (LG). Modern research confirms that mulethi isn’t just a throat soother – it is an herbal powerhouse with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits to support the entire respiratory system.

How Mulethi Powder Fights Pollution-Related Respiratory Problems

Mulethi Gives You Antibacterial and Antiviral Shield

Urban pollution makes the respiratory tract vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. Mulethi extract has shown strong inhibitory activity against respiratory viruses like human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV, or RSV) and certain bacteria that affect the throat and lungs. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that licorice is effective against HRSV viral infection on airway epithelial cells mainly by preventing viral attachment, internalization, and by stimulating IFN secretion.

Licorice has Natural Anti-inflammatory Properties Against Pollutant-Induced Irritation

Polluted air causes inflammation of the lungs and its airways. Mulethi’s plant-based bio-active compounds help reduce cytokine production and oxidative stress, thereby calming irritated tissues and easing breathing discomfort. It also makes mulethi a good adjuvant to soothe asthma and allergies.

A 2022 German study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLoS One concluded that “intake of liquorice reduces ACE2 expression and HMGB1 levels in healthy humans”, and that “…the efficacy of glycyrrhizin in several viral diseases, identify glycyrrhizin as a potential therapeutic in COVID-19 but also in other respiratory tract diseases.”

Mulethi as a Herbal Expectorant

Exposure to polluted air, smog, dust and smoke usually leads to production of excess mucus, throat irritation and cough. Traditionally, mulethi is used in cold, cough, flu and throat conditions as a gentle expectorant to help loosen mucus.

Demulcent Action of Mulethi for Throat and Bronchial Relief

If your throat feels dry or itchy after outdoor exposure, Mulethi’s demulcent action can help coat and soothe the mucous membrane, providing lasting relief from irritation or persistent cough.

Mulethi Boosts Immunity and Lung Resilience

Mulethi supports overall immune health by fighting oxidative damage from free radicals. Regular use may improve your lungs’ natural defense against pollutants and seasonal infections.

Tips to Include Mulethi Powder in Daily Routine

You can include Nature Sure Mulethi Powder in your daily routine in many easy ways. Here are our top suggestions:

• Morning Detox Drink: Mix ½ teaspoon of Nature Sure Mulethi Powder with a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of lemon juice in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink it every morning on an empty stomach to cleanse your system.
• Evening Herbal Tea: Add half to one teaspoon of Nature Sure Mulethi powder into a warm cup of water or herbal tea and take it once or twice daily.
• Night-Time Throat Soother: You can also mix Nature Sure Mulethi powder in a glass of warm milk with honey and take it just before going to bed. Mulethi and honey drink comforts throat and chest.
• Another great way is to prepare a lung-soothing herbal drink by mixing half teaspoon Nature Sure Mulethi powder with ginger (adrak), tulsi (holy basil) and cinnamon (dalchini) to decongest after an outdoor commute in polluted environments. On days of higher air-pollution index (AQI), you can increase to twice daily or add a third mild dose.
• Some nutritionists also recommend sipping a hot cuppa of mulethi, ajwain (carom seeds), ginger and jaggery on an empty stomach in the morning.
• You can also add mulethi powder to your smoothies.

Precautions While Using Mulethi Powder

• While mulethi is promising as a herbal medicine, remember that it is not a silver bullet. You should exercise caution in not having too much of it on a daily basis, especially over a prolonged use. Long-term heavy use may cause elevated blood pressure or water retention. Stick to ½–1 teaspoon per day and give a gap of a few days to a week after every 2 weeks of continuous use.
• Remember that using mulethi doesn’t replace the need for masks, air filters, and avoiding exposure. Mulethi acts softly as a daily “support” rather than acute “treatment”, and should be used to complement these basic practices to support the body’s response.
• If you have been diagnosed with asthma, COPD, or any other major lung disease, you must always follow the guidance of a qualified physician and only use mulethi powder as a supportive and not a substitute for medical treatment.
• Also, people with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or pregnant/ breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before regular use.
• Lastly, make sure you choose a trusted brand such as Nature Sure, which only uses top-grade premium ingredients, rigorous quality and hygiene standards and has top certifications of purity and authenticity to avoid risks of contamination and adulteration.