The term demulcent references an anti-inflammatory and protective action toward mucus membranes.

As a noun, a demulcent is a plant or other ingredient that exhibits these properties. These may also be termed mucoprotective agents.

As an adjective, the term generally means soothing and protective and comes from the Latin word demulcere “caress”.

Some demulcents used for healing and soothing the mucus membranes include syrup or sugar, glycerin, pectin, slippery elm, licorice root, marshmallow, or honey.

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