Demulcent herbs

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Uses Topical treatment of wounds, bruises, sprains, inflammation Action Multiple chemical components, allantoin promotes cell division, rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory effects, tannin possesses astringent effects, mucilage is a demulcent w/ anti-inflammatory properties, pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause hepatotox Available forms Topical application w/ 5—20% of herb applied on intact skin for up to 10 d Contra Do not take orally d/t hepatotox, do not use if PRG or w/ lactation Notes/SE N/V, exfoliative dermatitis w/ topical use Interactions T Risk of hepatotox W/ ingestion of borage, golden ragwort, hemp, Petasites EMS None... 

This formula contains cephalanoplos (small thistle), lotus rhizome node, dry-fried cattail pollen, rehmannia, talc, mutong, lophatheri, gardenia fruit, dang gui, and honey-fried licorice. These herbs are antibacterial, antiinflammatory, demulcent, and astringent. The formula is used for bloody, painful urinary conditions with urinary frequency and burning pain on voiding. From a Western perspective, this formula is used for acute cystitis, polycystic kidneys, kidney stones, and BPH. 

In the trans-Indus region the herb is much employed for the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary complaints. In Europe and USA, the thick wholly leaves are much valued as demulcents and emollients. It is a relaxing expectorant for dry, chronic hard coughs such as in whooping cough, tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis. The leaves of Verbascum were once made into herbal tobacco and smoked for asthma and tuberculosis [69]. 

Emollient Substance or herb that soothes, moistens, and lubricates the skin because of its mucilaginous compounds. (When used internally it is called a demulcent.)... 

Many herbal remedies that may be antitussive could act indirectly on cough for example, by expectorant, demulcent, bronchodUator, or local anesthetic actions. Ziment (2002) lists 15 such indirect ways in which herbal antitussives may work (see also later) and lists over 120 herbs which are claimed, nearly always with little or no evidence, to act via these indirect mechanisms. With the exception of bronchodilation, there are no effective means of assessing these indirect actions, and the relationship between bronchodilation and cough is little understood. 

These act by a soothing effect mainly on the pharynx and larynx if the solid or liquid preparation is given orally, or on all the airways if it is a vapor. The patient should feel better and experiences the cough as less irritating or painful. The problem is that demulcent activity has never been measured. The only way to do it would be by subjective patient scores (How soothed do you feel ), and even these do not seem to have been used. In addition, a placebo action is difficult to eliminate indeed it seems inevitable in view of the relevant sensations aroused by the herb. To give the solid or liquid agents by capsule would bypass their site of action, and if given as a vapor an appropriate placebo would be hard to select. 

Bulk-forming laxatives that contain mucilage have additional minor benefits complementing their primary effect of relieving constipation. Mucilaginous herbs are demulcent, meaning that they are soothing to inflamed mucosal surfaces (Brunton et al. 2006). Demulcents form... 

Traditional use A decoction of the herb is used to treat neurosis and epilepsy, as a diuretic to treat kidney stones, and gout and swelling due to kidney and heart problems. It is used externally to treat throat diseases, neuralgia of facial nerves, in a bath to treat hemorrhoids, scrofula, and rickets, and as a compress or lotion to heal wounds and treat eye diseases. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used to treat diarrhea. An infusion and decoction of the leaves and flowers is used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, demulcent and coating to treat acute respiratory diseases, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, gastritis and liver and gall bladder diseases (Plant Resources of the USSR 1990). 

TVaditional use The aboveground parts are used as a demulcent, hemostatic and to heal wounds. A tincture is used to treat diarrhea and as a diuretic. A poultice is used to treat rectal prolapse and prolapsed hemorrhoids. The crashed, dry or fresh herb is applied as a compress to treat abscesses. In the Bryansk area of Russia a decoction of the roots is used to treat hepatitis. In the Tibetan medicine, the aboveground parts are used to treat swelling, ascites, and as a hemostatic (Plant Resources of the USSR 1987). 

Demulcent Mucilaginous herb that treats mucous membranes. 

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