A Sweet Herb
In Kashmir, Unani doctors are sometimes ridiculed as “Shangre Doctor.” The word Shangr comes from an important root of a plant Glycyrrhiza glabra which is known as Mulethi in unani and Yashtimadhu in ayurveda, a root which is used for centuries in Unani, Ayurveda, and other traditional systems for its vast healing properties. Ironically, the herb used to ridicule unani doctors is among the most valuable and beneficial medicinal plants used globally for wide range of health problems and is now a heavily researched plant with hundreds of experimental papers, many systemic reviews and clinical studies which include phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, agronomy and some clinical trials, so now is the time to consider the term Shangre doctor not as an insult but as a symbol of healing, cultural heritage, and scientific excellence.
Healing history of this root
Glycyrrhiza glabra has occupied a distinguished place in the history of traditional medicine. Hippocrates, Theophrastus and Dioscorides recommended it for treating coughs, thirst, ulcers and wounds. Pliny the Elder wrote that soldiers carried licorice to endure thirst in deserts It was valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and to calm irritated mucous membranes.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is called Gan Cao (sweet herb) used as harmonising herb to balance and moderate the effects of other ingredients in herbal formulas
In Unani medicine, Glycyrrhiza glabra occupies an important place, the celebrated physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina) in his book Canon of Medicine classified it as a softening and soothing drug, praised it for its demulcent, emollient and anti-inflammatory actions.
Shangr, the local name for liquorice root in Kashmir, has been a trusted medicinal herb in traditional Kashmiri households used for centuries in soothing sore throats, calming stomach discomfort and preparing herbal infusions. It was mentioned by traditional Hakims as an essential root in their herbal stores and displayed these roots tied in bundles.
Rich cultural significance:
Mulethi has a cultural charm — traditionally chewed by singers, qawwals, orators, and poets to maintain vocal clarity. In Kashmir, where oral traditions are rich, the herb preserves both health and cultural expression.
Validation in Modern Science:
Modern research has confirmed what ancient physicians understood long before. Scientific research has revealed that Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, glabridin, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that show anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-aging, demulcent, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti- ulcer, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective and neuroprotective properties
Research has shown that glycyrrhiza glabra demonstrates significant Anti-ulcer activity through several mechanisms
Mucosal protection: Stimulates mucous secretion in the stomach lining, forms a protective barrier against acid and pepsin
Anti-inflammatory effects: Inhibits inflammatory mediators thereby reducing gastric inflammation
Cytoprotective compounds: Glycyrrhizin and Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) increase prostaglandin synthesis, which promote mucosal healing
Antioxidant activity: Flavonoids like glabridin exert antioxidant activity and scavenge free radicals thereby protect the oxidative damage to gastric lining.
It has shown direct anti-H. Pylori activity by inhibiting the bacterial growth, urease inhibition, thereby reducing the bacteria’s ability to survive in acidic medium, protects gastric mucosa from H. pylori induced damage and reduces cytokine mediated inflammation while promoting healing of gastric mucosa and ulcers.
In contemporary gastroenterology, Mulethi is increasingly incorporated as an adjuvant therapy into H. Pylori eradication therapies to increase the efficacy and reduce resistance to standard triple or quadruple therapies.
Glycyrrhiza glabra in the COVID-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the antiviral potential of Mulethi. During the pandemic of COVID-19, Mulethi was featured in Ayush immune-boosting kits, herbal teas, and preventive decoctions and AYUSH department played a vital role by distributing these kits to patients which contained Mulethi as main ingredient. Scientific research validated the role of this important medicinal root through its anti-viral and immunomodulatory effect showing that its active ingredient glycyrrhizin help blocking viral entry, reduces viral load and inflammation in lungs associated with covid-19. The distribution of this important medicinal root during covid-19 pandemic was a proactive step of Ayush department backed by scientific validation to save precious lives during major public health crises.
Caution: Although Mulethi has shown multiple therapeutic benefits, prolonged or excessive use can lead to side effects such has hypertension, hypokalaemia, oedema and renal disturbances. Its main constituent glycyrrhizins, inhibits the enzyme (11β-HSD2) in the kidneys which normally converts active cortisol into inactive cortisone, thus increasing cortisol concentration which in turn acts on mineralocorticoid receptors, mimicking the action of aldosterone.
DGL and Modern Preparations:
For conditions like stomach ulcers and heartburn, we can opt for Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Which is a form of licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed, which helps to avoid the most common side effects like increased blood pressure, water retention and low potassium while retaining its properties. DGL is often sold in chewable tablet form, as chewing helps activate its compounds. A typical dose for ulcers is one or two tablets before meals.
Ensuring Quality, Storage, and Vendor Guidelines
To maximize therapeutic benefits, it is important to choose high-Quality Roots which are thick, fibrous, light brown with containing sweetness and natural aroma.
Keep in cool, dry, dark, airtight food grade containers; decoctions or syrups should be refrigerated and not used after 24–48 hours.
Source from where the root is procured should be reputable cultivators, the root should be checked for any impurities and moisture content.
Label and batches with origin and harvest date should be properly checked to avoid any adulteration.
Following these steps ensures that both consumers and practitioners receive Shangr at its most potent and safe form.
Conclusion
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Shangr) contains a wide range of bioactive constituents which show a wide range of health benefits. As a society, it is our collective responsibility to honour this heritage, respect the practitioners, and ensure that centuries of wisdom are neither ridiculed nor forgotten. Shangr teaches us that true healing lies in understanding, honouring, and responsibly utilizing the treasures inherent in our traditional knowledge.
Dr Mohammad Sultan Paray, in-charge officer Govt Unani Hospital, Shalteng Srinagar
