Herbal Action: Demulcent & Emollient

Mucilaginous herbs that soothe, soften, and protect irritated tissue

Mucilaginous herbs that moisten, soften, relieve, and protect irritated or inflamed tissue. A demulcent refers to the action on internal tissue and organs while an emollient refers to topical application for skin related issues.

What they do:

• Moisten and soften irritated or inflamed tissue, internally or externally

• Coat and calm irritation in the throat, esophagus, and digestive tract (demulcent)

• Soothe, protect, and moisturize irritated or dry skin (emollient)

• Support the body's healing response wherever tissue is inflamed or dried out

How they're used:

Demulcents are most often taken as cold infusions, since their mucilage is best extracted in cold water rather than hot water or alcohol — heat and alcohol can break down the very polysaccharides that make them soothing. They're also used as syrups, or added into food. Emollients are used externally as salves, oils, baths, or poultices applied directly to the skin.

When to consider them:

Demulcent (internal) use: canker sores, esophagus inflammation, gastric ulcers, intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel, constipation, and anal fissures.

Emollient (external) use: skin lesions, burns, sunburns, dermatitis, diaper rash, and other dry, irritated skin conditions.

Demulcent Herbs (internal)

• Aloe vera

• Chickweed

• Coltsfoot

• Cornsilk

• Flax seed

• Licorice root

• Marshmallow

• Mullein

• Plantain

• Psyllium seeds

• Purslane

• Slippery elm

Emollients Herbs (external)

• Aloe vera

• Chickweed

• Comfrey

• Marshmallow

• Mullein

• Oatmeal

• Plantain

• Slippery elm

• Violet