Demulcent (internal) or Emollient (external)
Moistens tissues, soothes inflammation
Energy is moistening and usually cooling
Works systemically, does not need to come in contact with a particular surface, such as the lungs or bladder
(Sidalcea neomexicana )
Many contain mucilage, has a slimy, viscous feel
Will loosen and relax tissues that are tense due to dryness
Uses
Dryness and irritation of the respiratory, digestive & urinary systems
Excess dryness or heat caused by dryness
Dry coughs
Dry irritated sore throat
Dry constipation
Irritation from bladder infection
Topical burns, especially sunburn
Soothing to topical inflammation
Energetics of Demulcents: All are Moistening
Cool
Mallow – Malvaceae family – Althea sp.
Slippery elm – Ulmus spp
Violet leaf – Viola spp.
Licorice – Glycrrizha glabra: a non-mucilaginous demulcent that can be used in tincture form
Comfrey – Symphytum spp. – internal use is controversial
Plantain – Plantago spp.
Aloe Vera
Evening Primrose leaf – Oenothera spp.
American Ginseng – Panax quinquefolium
Warm (Warming demulcents are unusual and good to remember)
Cinnamon – Cinnamon cassia
Fenugreek – Trigonella foenum-graecum
