Emollient

Emollients (L. emollire, to soften) soften and relax the tissues when applied locally, diminish the tension and pressure on the nerves, dilate the vessels, and protect inflamed surfaces: poultices, fatty oils, lard, spermaceti, glycerin, petroleum, starch, soap liniment, oil of theobroma [Culbreth1927, pg 46].

Emollients are those remedies which, when applied to the solids of the body, render them soft and flexible [Brown1878; Meyer1932].

Mucilaginous substances that soothe irritation and inflammation topically [Sanchez BOTM680].

Fat based, moisturizing [anonymous].

Soothes externally [Palmer2004].

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  Integumentary System

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  Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

[Brown1878] Oliver Phelps Brown. The Complete Herbalist; or the People Their Own Physicians. Jersey City, NJ (1878). Online Reprint.

[Culbreth1927] David Marvel Reynolds Culbreth. A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology, Seventh Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger (1927). Online Reprint.

[Meyer1932] Joseph Ernest Meyer. The Herbalist and Herb Doctor. Hammond, IN: Indiana Botanic Gardens (1932) Online Reprint.

[Palmer2004] Michelle Palmer class notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

[Sanchez BOTM680] Joann Sanchez. Botanical Medicine 680 notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.