Mulethi (Licorice - Ayurvedic) for Sore Throat Relief

Research suggests that licorice root (Mulethi) may offer benefits for sore throat relief, with the available evidence pointing to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties as the likely mechanisms underlying this traditional use. Studies indicate that licorice extracts have demonstrated activity against respiratory infections and throat conditions, and its traditional application for eliminating phlegm and relieving cough is noted across multiple reviews of its pharmacological profile. However, it is important to note that all five studies in this body of evidence are narrative reviews rather than clinical trials, meaning the findings reflect synthesized observations and traditional use documentation rather than direct experimental testing in human subjects with sore throats. The overall direction of the literature is supportive, but the absence of randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses means that stronger clinical evidence would be needed to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness for this specific application.