DEMUL′CENTS

In medicine , substances which are calculated to soften and lubricate the parts to which they are applied. Though having the same signification as the word EMOLLIENTS , it is desirable to restrict the latter term to such as are intended for external application, and to include under the above head only such as are intended for internal exhibition. The principal demulcents are gum Arabic, gum tragacanth, liquorice, honey, arrow-root, pearl barley, isingla , gelatin, milk, almonds, spermaceti, almond and olive oils, and most other mucilaginous, amylaceous, saccharine, and oily substances. For use, these are made into MUCILAGES , DECOCTIONS , EMULSIONS , or MILKS , with water, and form suitable beverages in dysentery, diarrhœa, catarrh, diseases of the urinary organs, and all other diseases where diluents are useful. See Emollients .