Definition of emollient plant
An emollient is a liquid or cream which you put on your skin to make it softer or to reduce pain.
This emollient plant soothes, relaxes and combats stiffness.
It is useful for irritated or inflamed mucous membranes (tissues).
It is also added to preparations containing irritant plants to protect mucous membranes. The emollient plant should be avoided in cases of excess mucus.
Emollient plants are useful for a wide range of problems, including constipation, stomach ulcers, gastritis, intestinal ulcers, sore throats, laryngitis, pharyngitis, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, pruritus and itching.
Active ingredient(s)* in emollient plants
Emollient properties are mainly attributed to the mucilages contained in certain plants, as well as the oils found mainly in seeds. There are a few exceptions: licorice owes its emollient properties to glycyrrhizin (saponin), and oats and wheat to starch (sugar).
*Even if research into active compounds allows us to attribute certain properties to individual components, in herbal medicine we generally prefer to use the whole plant (in its totum).
By extension, mucilage is mucolytic, anticatarrhal and a relaxing expectorant.
Mucilage liquefies mucus and softens the mucous membranes of the lungs, so emollient plants are considered mucolytic and even gentle anticatarrhal and expectorant, eliminating mucus without drying out the mucous membranes. They are particularly useful for dry, unproductive coughs and sinus congestion.
Emollient plants
Plants whose emollient compound is mainly mucilage:
Acore, Dill, Angelica, Fennel, Ginger, Hyssop, Lemon balm, Peppermint, Rosemary, Green anise
Plants with oily emollients
Almond, flax (but also mucilage from flour)
Other emollient plants
Licorice (glycyrrhizin)
Read the associated plant data sheet to find out about preferred systems, restrictions and possible interactions.
Emollient plant: Good uses
Issue: Constipation
In cases of constipation, the specialists are laxative plants. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Bitter or digestive, carminative: facilitate food processing;
– Emollient: heals the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and aids passage of the alimentary bolus;
– Bile drainers (cholagogues, choleretics): bile softens stools.
Issues: Stomach ulcers, gastritis, intestinal ulcers.
Emollient plants are the experts, protecting and helping the mucosa to heal. However, they must also be complemented by plants with the following properties:
– Antibacterial, antiseptic: fight H. Pylori bacteria (if this is the cause of the ulcer);
– Astringent (mild): tightens the mucosa;
– Bitter: stimulates repair of digestive walls;
– Alkalifying: fight acidity;
– Vulnerary: heals mucosal lesions.
Recommended plants: Ginger, licorice, garlic, cabbage, gentian, marigold, marshmallow, sweet gale, turmeric, lemon balm, plantain, German chamomile.
Anti-ulcer fruit salad by J. A. Duke #ref:90#: cube-cut fruit (banana, pineapple, blueberry) seasoned with cinnamon, ground cloves and grated ginger. Can be sweetened with a little honey.
Issues: Sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis
For pain, analgesic plants are the experts. However, they sometimes need to be combined with the following plants to resolve the cause of the pain:
– Antiseptics (antiviral or antibacterial): destroy micro-organisms (bacteria or viruses);
– Anti-inflammatory / Astringent: reduce inflammation, tighten swollen tissues;
– Emollient: repairs mucous membranes and reduces irritation;
– Gargle with apple vinegar or salt water.
Issue: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can have a number of causes: heredity, venous weakness, too much pressure (sedentary lifestyle, constipation, heavy lifting…). It’s worth looking for the cause to reduce the chances of recurrence. A number of plant properties can act on hemorrhoids or their causes:
– Astringent: tightens tissues and strengthens venous membranes (applied externally for a few minutes);
– Emollient, antipruritic: reduce discomfort and pain (also externally, e.g. using an ointment or bolus);
– Laxatives: resolve constipation (which may be the cause);
– Hepatic: prevent future constipation.
Caution: consult your doctor to ensure that your hemorrhoids do not degenerate into thrombosis.
Issues: Conjunctivitis and blepharitis
As conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, and blepharitis of the eyelid, anti-inflammatory plants are the first to look for, along with plants with the following properties:
– Antibacterial, antiseptic or antiviral: combat the cause if it’s linked to a micro-organism;
– Analgesic, antipruritic: reduce discomfort caused by irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes;
– Astringent: tightens mucous membranes and reduces inflammation, but should be avoided if eyes are dry;
– Emollients: soften mucous membranes caused by irritants (cold wind, smoke, dust, chemicals, foreign bodies).
Internal : goldenseal(Hydrastis canadensis), echinacea(Echinacea spp.)
Externally (eye baths, compresses and poultices): calendula(Calendula officinalis), German chamomile(Matricaria recutita), Roman chamomile(Chamaemelum nobilea), cornflower(Centaurea cyanus), witch hazel(Hamamelis virginiana), mallow(Malva spp.), plantain(Plantago lanceolata or Plantago major) and rose(Rosa spp.).
Photo credit: Joyhill09
Issues: Pruritus and itching
Anti-pruritus plants are the experts on pruritus. Analgesic, painkiller, soothing, emollient and anti-inflammatory plants,
soothing, emollient and anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-histaminic plants are also allies.
As itching causes scratching, the following properties are also often useful:
– Vulnerary and healing: repair lesions and irritations caused by scratching;
– Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory: disinfect mucous membranes whose barrier has been damaged by scratching;
– Antifungal, antiparasitic: if and only if fungi or parasites are the cause of itching, as an excess of these plants can irritate.
Plants for external use: plantain(Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata), St. John’s wort(Hypericum perforatum), calendula(Calendula officinalis), aloe(Aloe vera), German chamomile(Matricaria recutita), comfrey(Symphytum officinale), lavender(Lavandula angustifolia).
Uses of emollient plant
Taking care of yourself…
Mucilages can interfere with the assimilation of drugs and dietary supplements.
Do not use oils or macerations that have gone rancid, or preparations containing them, as these are now toxic.
Herbal tea
Water is the solvent par excellence for mucilages, so in most cases, herbal tea is the option of choice.
Recommended solvents
Since emollient plants contain mucilage and starch, the solvent par excellence is water. These polysaccharides are not extracted with alcohol or oil. Some can be extracted in vinegar or glycerine.
However, to use licorice glycyrrhizin for its emollient qualities, you won’t be successful with water, so I recommend alcohol.
As for oils, they can be extracted by oily maceration. However, it’s generally easier to buy cold-pressed linseed or sweet almond oil direct.
See the following articles for more details on how to use solvents in processing:
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.