Irattimadhuram (Licorice / Mulethi / Glycyrrhiza Glabra) — Complete Guide | Blueberry Botanicals

Reviewed by Blueberry Botanicals Herbal Research Team · Updated: June 2026
Author: Blueberry Botanicals Herbal Research Team · FSSAI Licence No: 21325182001458 · Manufacturer: Blueberry, GST: 32ACZPR0268A1ZK

This is the complete pillar guide to Irattimadhuram (Licorice / Mulethi / Glycyrrhiza glabra) — one of Kerala's most beloved traditional herbal ingredients, known for its distinctive natural sweetness and its iconic role in Kerala's traditional herbal beverage culture.

📖 Part of the Spice & Root Knowledge Hub — Blueberry Botanicals' authoritative reference for traditional Kerala herbal spices and roots.

Quick Answer — What Is Irattimadhuram?

Irattimadhuram (Glycyrrhiza glabra / Licorice / Mulethi) is a root-based botanical ingredient traditionally used in herbal beverage preparations and wellness routines across Kerala and South India. It is one of the most naturally sweet botanical ingredients in traditional Indian herbal practice — used as a natural sweetener in herbal decoctions and brewed as a standalone herbal tea. Irattimadhuram is the traditional Malayalam name; Mulethi is the common Hindi name; Yashtimadhu is the classical Sanskrit name; Glycyrrhiza glabra is the botanical name.

Irattimadhuram Name Guide — All Languages

Language / Tradition Name
Malayalam (Kerala) Irattimadhuram
Hindi Mulethi / Mulhatti
Sanskrit (Ayurvedic) Yashtimadhu / Madhuyashti
English Licorice / Liquorice Root
Botanical / Scientific Glycyrrhiza glabra
Tamil Athimathuram
Kannada Jesthamadhu

All names refer to the same botanical ingredient — the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.

Botanical Profile

  • Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  • Plant Part Used: Root (dried)
  • Native Region: Mediterranean, Central Asia, South Asia — widely cultivated across India
  • Key Compound: Glycyrrhizin — a naturally occurring compound responsible for the characteristic sweet taste (approximately 30–50x sweeter than sucrose)
  • Colour Produced: Light amber to golden-yellow when brewed
  • Taste Profile: Naturally sweet, slightly anise-like, smooth and rounded — no bitterness
  • Aroma: Mild, sweet, slightly earthy

Traditional Uses of Irattimadhuram

  • Natural sweetener in herbal decoctions — traditionally added to Pathimugam water and Karingali decoctions to provide natural sweetness without sugar
  • Standalone herbal tea — traditionally brewed alone as a naturally sweet herbal beverage
  • Traditional Kerala herbal beverage blends — the essential third ingredient in the classic Pathimugam + Karingali + Irattimadhuram three-ingredient Kerala decoction
  • Ayurvedic wellness preparations — referenced extensively in classical Ayurvedic texts as Yashtimadhu; used in traditional formulations for centuries
  • Traditional throat and respiratory preparations — historically used in traditional Indian herbal preparations for throat comfort

Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised guidance. Individual results may vary.

How to Use Irattimadhuram — Traditional Methods

Standalone Irattimadhuram Herbal Tea

  1. Add 1 small piece (or ½ teaspoon of powder) of Irattimadhuram to 300–500ml of water
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat
  3. Simmer for 8–10 minutes
  4. Strain and serve warm
  5. Naturally sweet — no sugar needed

Pathimugam + Irattimadhuram — Kerala's Iconic Red Herbal Drink

  1. Add 1–2 teaspoons of Pathimugam chips + 1 small piece of Irattimadhuram to 500ml–1 litre of water
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes until deep red
  3. Strain and serve warm
  4. Irattimadhuram adds natural sweetness to balance the mildly astringent Pathimugam

Classic Three-Ingredient Kerala Herbal Blend

  1. Add ½ teaspoon Karingali Powder + 1 teaspoon Pathimugam chips + 1 small piece Irattimadhuram to 1 litre of water
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes
  3. Strain and serve warm

Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised guidance on quantity and frequency. Individual results may vary.

Traditional Irattimadhuram Combinations

Combination Ingredients Traditional Use
Kerala's Iconic Red Drink Irattimadhuram + Pathimugam Naturally sweetened daily herbal beverage
Classic Kerala Three-Ingredient Blend Irattimadhuram + Pathimugam + Karingali Traditional Kerala herbal decoction
Standalone Herbal Tea Irattimadhuram alone Naturally sweet herbal tea

Irattimadhuram vs Other Kerala Herbal Ingredients

Ingredient Malayalam Name Botanical Name Colour Taste Traditional Role
Licorice Root Irattimadhuram Glycyrrhiza glabra Light amber Naturally sweet, anise-like Natural sweetener in decoctions
Sappanwood Pathimugam Caesalpinia sappan Deep red / crimson Mildly astringent, earthy Daily herbal water infusion
Black Catechu Karingali Acacia catechu Dark brown Astringent, slightly bitter Herbal decoctions

Sourcing & Quality — Blueberry Botanicals Irattimadhuram

  • ✅ 100% pure Glycyrrhiza glabra root — no additives, no fillers, no preservatives
  • ✅ FSSAI Licence No: 21325182001458
  • ✅ Batch coded · Tamper-proof packaging
  • ✅ Manufacturing date and shelf life printed on every pack
  • ✅ Manufactured by Blueberry — GST: 32ACZPR0268A1ZK
  • ✅ Delivered across India in 3–5 business days
  • ✅ International shipping — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
  • ✅ Lab test certificates available for export and bulk orders

→ Shop Irattimadhuram (Licorice / Mulethi) 50g — Blueberry Botanicals

Bulk & Export Orders

Irattimadhuram is available for bulk supply and white label for Ayurvedic wellness brands, herbal beverage companies, GCC distributors, and export buyers.

  • Custom packaging and private labelling available
  • Lab test certificates available for GCC and international markets
  • Certificate of Origin available for export orders
  • FSSAI certification documentation provided
  • 💬 Contact: info@blueberrybotanicals.in | +91 8891644058

Frequently Asked Questions — Irattimadhuram

Q1: What is Irattimadhuram?
Irattimadhuram (Glycyrrhiza glabra / Licorice / Mulethi) is a root-based botanical ingredient traditionally used in herbal beverage preparations across Kerala and South India. It is known for its distinctive natural sweetness and is traditionally used as a natural sweetener in herbal decoctions and brewed as a standalone herbal tea.

Q2: What is the difference between Irattimadhuram, Mulethi, and Yashtimadhu?
All three names refer to the same botanical ingredient — Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root). Irattimadhuram is the traditional Malayalam name used in Kerala; Mulethi is the common Hindi name; Yashtimadhu is the classical Sanskrit name used in Ayurvedic texts.

Q3: Why is Irattimadhuram added to Pathimugam water?
Irattimadhuram adds natural sweetness to Pathimugam water — balancing the mildly astringent taste of Pathimugam and creating Kerala's most iconic naturally sweetened red herbal drink without added sugar. See the Pathimugam Complete Guide.

Q4: What does Irattimadhuram taste like?
Naturally sweet, slightly anise-like, smooth and rounded. No bitterness. It is one of the naturally sweetest botanical ingredients in traditional Indian herbal practice.

Q5: Can I brew Irattimadhuram alone as a herbal tea?
Yes. Add 1 small piece or ½ teaspoon of Irattimadhuram to 300–500ml of water, boil and simmer for 8–10 minutes, strain and serve warm. Naturally sweet — no sugar needed. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised guidance.

Q6: What is the difference between Irattimadhuram and Karingali?
Irattimadhuram (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is naturally sweet and used as a sweetener in decoctions. Karingali (Acacia catechu) is astringent and used in herbal decoctions. They are different botanical ingredients, often used together in the classic Kerala three-ingredient herbal blend. See the Karingali Complete Guide.

Q7: Is Blueberry Botanicals Irattimadhuram FSSAI certified?
Yes. FSSAI Licence No: 21325182001458. Batch coded and tamper-proof sealed.

Q8: Is international shipping available?
Yes — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain. Additional courier charges apply. Contact: info@blueberrybotanicals.in | +91 8891644058.

Q9: What is the HSN code for Irattimadhuram?
HSN Code: 09103030. GST: 5%.

Q10: What is the shelf life?
6 months from the manufacturing date printed on the packaging. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Q11: Is bulk and white label available?
Yes. Contact: info@blueberrybotanicals.in | +91 8891644058.

Related Blog Articles

Irattimadhuram blog articles coming soon — What Is Irattimadhuram?, Mulethi vs Irattimadhuram, How to Use Licorice Root in Kerala Herbal Drinks, Irattimadhuram for GCC Diaspora, and Yashtimadhu in Ayurvedic Tradition.

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💬 Questions or bulk orders? WhatsApp: +91 8891644058 | Email: info@blueberrybotanicals.in

Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is rooted in traditional herbal usage. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or licensed Ayurvedic physician before using any herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are taking prescription medication. Individual results may vary. Blueberry Botanicals makes no therapeutic claims. FSSAI Licence No: 21325182001458.