Demulcent herbs (Box 3-17 and Fig. 3-21) soothe and protect irritated or inflamed tissue. When used topically, they are called emollients. As with many other herbal actions, pharmacology does not provide an adequate explanation for how demulcents work. They are rich in carbohydrate mucilage made up of complex polysaccharide molecules. Thus, they become slimy and gummy when they come in contact with water. This physical property has a clear and direct action on the lining of the intestines, wh...
