Demulcent

A demulcent (derived from the Latin: demulcere "caress") is an agent that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents. Demulcents such as pectin, glycerin, honey, and syrup are common ingredients in cough mixtures. These demulcents will coat the throat and relieve the irritation causing the cough. They can be used to treat any type of cough, but are particularly useful to treat dry coughs. Some demulcents may not be suitable for diabetics as they are based on sugar. Methyl cellulose, propylene glycol and glycerine are synthetic demulcents.

A number of herbs have demulcent properties. These herbs often have a high content of mucilage, and help soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissues of the body.^[1]

Common herbal demulcents include:^[2]

• Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
• Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
• Corn Silk (Zea mays)
• Couchgrass (Elymus repens subsp. repens)
• Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
• Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), a kind of algae
• Lungwort (Sticta pulmonaria)
• Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
• Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
• Oatmeal (Avena sativa)
• Parsley Piert (Aphanes arvensis)
• Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

External links

• A more complete list of plants with demulcent properties is available from Plants for a Future (use database keyword search).

References