Demulcents

Demulcents (Lat. demulceo, 'I soften'), bland and lubricating liquid substances, taken by the mouth, for the purpose of soothing irritation of the mucous membranes, and promoting the dilution of the blood, and the increase of the secretions. Demulcents are chiefly composed of Starch (q.v.), or Gum (q.v.), or of substances containing these, dissolved in water; sometimes also of oily matters, or the white of eggs, and other albuminous or gelatinous substances largely diluted. The decoction of althæa, or marsh-mallow, is a favourite form of demulcent.