Overview of Demulcents
Botanical treatments that act as demulcent or mucoprotective agents have been shown to protect esophageal and gastric mucosa and promote healing of irritated tissue. The word demulcent is derived from the term "caress" and refers to an agent that forms a soothing film over a mucus membrane, which can relieve minor irritation and inflammation. Various herbs have high mucilage content and act to soothe and protect inflamed internal tissues of the body by producing a gummy or sticky substance when mixed with water. Some demulcents can also be used to relieve coughing and painful spasm in the bladder and urinary tract.