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WordWealth:
demulcent
de·mul·cent
 ,
adj.
1. soothing or mollifying, as a
medicinal substance.
n.
2. a demulcent substance or agent,
often mucilaginous, as for soothing or protecting an irritated
mucous membrane.
[172535; < L d ēmulcent-
(s. of dēmulcēns,
prp. of dēmulcere
to stroke down, soften), equiv. to dē-
DE-
+ mulc(ere) to soothe + -ent- -ENT]
(Random
House Webster's Unabridged).
Look at
Thesaurus
The lozenges
had a demulcent
effect, and my sore throat was soon feeling much better.
Merriam-Webster
Licorice Root
has mild demulcent properties that soothes the throat and is known
for its sweet taste which is fifty times sweeter than sugar.
Licorice is contra-indicated for people with hypertension and edema.
Wild Cherry Cough Syrup; Apollo Herbs
Some think that the word 'borage' is a corruption of the Latin corago from cor meaning 'heart' and ago, 'I bring', because of the courageous effect it is supposed to produce. Its Arabic name, however, means 'the father of sweat' because of its diaphoretic properties. It is a diuretic,
demulcent,
emollient, adrenal stimulant, anti-depressant and anti-rheumatic. The fresh herb has a cucumber-like fragrance and can be used to flavour soups and summer drinks. It has bright blue flowers and its stem and leaves are covered with prickly hairs.
The Herb Society;
Beyond the Broadcast - Herbs: Pure and Simple;
BBC
Althaea is demulcent and
emollient. Taken internally it is a popular remedy for catarrhs
and bronchitis. It may be given in the form of syrup, lozenges,
or decoction. Guimauve pastilles, which contain althaea,
flavoured with neroli oil, are a useful and pleasant demulcent.
The powdered root is useful as an excipient for pills which
require some inert absorbent substance. Althaea has been applied
to inflamed tissues as a fomentation (1 part of powdered root to
5 parts of water), the macerated drug being used as a poultice;
and has been recommended as an ointment in a variety of skin
diseases. Marshmallow ointment, properly so called, was prepared
by heating marshmallow leaves with an equal weight of lard and
straining, the product being employed for its soothing and
emollient effects; the "marshmallow ointment" commonly
sold, however, is simply a mild resin ointment, prepared without
marshmallow.
British Pharmaceutical Codex 1911: Althaea;
Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
Did you know? (Merriam-Webster)
"Demulcent" derives from the Latin verb "demulcere," meaning "to
soothe," which comes from a combination of the prefix "de-" with "mulcere,"
an earlier verb that also meant "to soothe." As an adjective,
"demulcent" often applies to the soothing nature of medicines, but you
could also use it to describe such things as a soothing melody or a
soothing demeanor. The noun "demulcent" is used for a gelatinous or
oily substance that is capable of soothing inflamed or abraded mucous
membranes and protecting them from further irritation.
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