demulcent

demulcent

 [de-mul´sent]

1. soothing; bland.

2. a soothing mucilaginous or oily medicine or application.

de·mul·cent

(dĕ-mŭl'sent),

1. Soothing; relieving irritation.

2. An agent, such as a mucilage or oil, that soothes and relieves irritation, especially of the mucous surfaces.

[L. de-mulceo, pp. -mulctus, to stroke lightly, to soften]

demulcent

(dĭ-mŭl′sənt)

adj.

Serving to soothe or soften.

n.

A soothing, usually mucilaginous or oily substance, such as glycerin or lanolin, used especially to relieve pain in inflamed or irritated mucous membranes.

demulcent

Herbal medicine
A herb that soothes, softens and protects mucous membranes through a medical or mechanical effect; demulcents include chickweed (Stellaria media), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Irish moss (Chrondrus crispus), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), slippery elm (Ulmus fulva).

demulcent

Pharmacology A protective, often viscid preparation, used to alleviate irritation of mucous membranes or abraded skin; by providing a rapid cover, the effects of local mechanical, chemical or bacterial irritants are diminished, as is pain and spasms, and drying prevented. See Binding agent.

de·mul·cent

(dĕ-mŭl'sĕnt)

1. Soothing; relieving irritation.

2. An agent, such as a mucilage or oil, that soothes and relieves irritation, especially of the mucous surfaces.

[L. de-mulceo, pp. -mulctus, to stroke lightly, to soften]

demulcent

1. Soothing.

2. An oily substance used to relieve pain or discomfort in inflamed, irritated or abraded skin or mucous membranes.

de·mul·cent

(dĕ-mŭl'sĕnt)

1. Soothing; relieving irritation.

2. An agent that relieves irritation.

[L. de-mulceo, pp. -mulctus, to stroke lightly, to soften]