Mulethi Tea for a Night Cough: A Soothing Desi Ritual, Not a Cure

Mulethi, or liquorice root, is a familiar sight in Desi pantries, often brewed into a dark, sweet tea. It’s a go-to bedtime habit in many homes when a dry, tickly cough makes sleeping difficult.

Traditional Use

In countless Desi households, mulethi is less a medicine and more a comforting kitchen ritual. Grandmothers would often wash a small stick of the root, crush it lightly, and boil it in water until the liquid turned a rich amber. This brew was then sipped slowly, sometimes with a spoonful of honey or a few tulsi leaves, as a way to calm a scratchy throat before bed. It was a common practice during winter months or when someone had a ‘dry’ cough that wouldn’t quit. The sweetness of the root itself made it pleasant even for children, though elders were careful to give only small amounts. This tradition is passed down not as a prescribed treatment, but as a gentle, homely comfort—a warm cup to soothe the nerves and the throat alike, rooted in the idea that simple kitchen ingredients can offer a moment of relief.

What We Actually Know

Honestly, mulethi tea is not a cure for a cough, and it won’t fight off an infection. What it does offer is a genuinely pleasant, soothing drink. The root contains a compound that gives it its intense sweetness, and this natural stickiness can create a mild coating sensation on the throat, which may temporarily ease that dry, tickly feeling that makes you cough. Many people find the warmth of the tea itself relaxing, which can help you settle down at night. However, its effect is purely symptomatic and subjective—it might work wonders for one person and do nothing for another. There’s no magic bullet here. The realistic expectation is temporary comfort, not a shortened illness. Also, it’s important to know that this root is potent; it’s not something to sip all day every day, as it can have real effects on the body if overused.

How to Use It at Home

To make it, take a small piece of dried mulethi root (about 1-2 inches) or 1/2 teaspoon of powder. Boil it in 1 cup of water for 5-7 minutes, strain, and sip it warm. You can add a little honey to taste, but never give honey to a child under 1 year old. Limit yourself to one cup at night, and don’t use it daily for more than a week or two. Important safety notes: avoid mulethi if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or are taking diuretics or steroids. For children, use a very small piece and only occasionally. If a cough persists for more than a few days, comes with a fever, or makes it hard to breathe, skip the tea and see a doctor.

The Honest Verdict

Mulethi tea is a lovely, comforting bedtime ritual that may temporarily soothe a dry tickle in your throat. It’s worth trying for a mild, irritating cough that’s keeping you awake. But it’s not a treatment for a serious illness. If your cough is productive, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, put the kettle down and seek professional medical advice.

None of this is medical advice. This is kitchen tradition, not treatment guidance.