Mucilaginous Herbs

[Guest guest]

Patti wrote:

The problem with just generally recommending " herb teas " is that there are

some herbs that are what's called " mucilaginous " ... and I just don't know

enough about each one to know which are and which are not (I know slippery

elm is one example of a mucilaginous herb). You can go read up on

mucilaginous herbs " in the Knowledge Base at Elaine's site, then do further

searching on your own to determine which ones they are. Those are to be

strictly avoided. For all I know, fennel seed may be one of the

mucilaginous " ones... so, there you go.

Jazz replied:

Ok, I just can't get out of research mode today. Must be because I am on

the couch in pain.

Here is what I found on mucilaginous herbs:

http://www.theherbdoc.com/ConsumerEducation/Herbology/Classification.htm

Mucilaginous Herbs

Mucilaginous herbs derive their properties from the polysaccharides they

contain, which give these herbs a slippery, mild taste that is sweet in

water. All plants product mucilage in some form to store water and hydrates

as a food reserve. Since most mucilages are not broken down by the human

digestive system, but absorb toxins from the bowel and give bulk to the

stool, these herbs are most effective topically as poultices and knitting

agents, and are also used topically in the digestive tract. When used as

lozenges or extracts, they have a demulcent action on the throat.

Mucilaginous herbs produce four major effects. They:

reduce bowel transit time

absorb and eliminate toxins from the intestinal system

help regulate intestinal flora

produce a demulcent/vulnerary action

Properties of Mucilaginous herbs include antibiotic, antacid, demulcent,

emollient, culnerary, and detoxifier. Herbs in this classification include

althea, aloe, burdock, comfrey, dandelion, echinacea, fenugreek, kelp, psylium,

slippery elm, dulse, glucomannan from Konjak root, Irish moss, and mullein.