Natural healers have used mucilaginous herbs for centuries to address issues gut health, respiratory, and sinus issues. When combined with cool water, they have the unique ability to form a gel-like substance that coats the digestive tract, thus soothing irritated tissues. In this guide, we’ll explore their value, provide examples of common mucilaginous herbs, and discuss the best ways to consume them.
Note: Whether doing a hot or cold extraction, ImmerHealth advises that you use a water pH between 6 – 7 pH water. This is because both very acidic (<5 pH) and alkaline (>8 pH) degrade the polysaccharides/ sugars before you even drink them, reducing the viscosity and effectiveness of the mucilage. Here’s a link to some good pH-balancing machines you can have right at your sinkside.
What are Herbal Constituents?
Herbal Constituents include both familiar and unfamiliar things like sugars, tannins, minerals, volatile oils, alkaloids, acids, saponins, resins, bitters, and mucilages.Right now we’ll focus on the last of these. For the others, only know that each is 1) better at some things versus others and 2) in order to optimize their efficacy, an herbalist is trained in which extract menstruums to use for each.
There’s a to know about herbal constituents, but once you build the intuition, it seems trivial to know what to use when.
What are Mucilaginous Herbs?
A mucilage is an herbal constituent with viscous, water-soluble fibers that swell and become gel-like when hydrated. It acts as a natural lubricant and protective barrier, offering relief to inflamed or irritated tissues throughout the body. These herbs are particularly beneficial for:
- Soothing the digestive tract: They can help calm inflammation, improve gut motility, and support healthy digestion.
- Relieving respiratory issues: Their demulcent properties coat and protect mucous membranes, providing relief from phlegm, coughs, and sore throats.
- Supporting skin health: When applied topically, they can hydrate and protect the skin.
Benefits of Mucilaginous Herbs
- Digestive support: Help protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and ease conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Hydration and lubrication: Their gel-like consistency can help retain moisture, making them valuable for both internal and external use.
- Respiratory relief: Toothe inflamed respiratory tissues and support recovery from colds, coughs, and bronchitis.
- Skin healing: Their emollient properties make them ideal for treating burns, wounds, and dry skin.
Examples
Here are some of the most commonly used mucilaginous herbs and the benefits people routinely note after using them.
| Herb | Usage |
| Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) | Support digestion. Soothe ulcers. Relieve throat irritation |
| Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) | Coat & soothe mucous membranes of the throat, stomach, & intestines. Alleviate dry coughs, heartburn, and skin irritation |
| Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) | Skin-healing properties support digestive health & help reduce inflammation |
| Plantain (Plantago spp.) | Support gut health. Soothe skin irritations (external) |
| Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) | Support bowel regularity. Promotes healthy digestion. |
| Chia Seeds(Salvia hispanica) | Nutrient-dense. Aid in digestion and hydration |
| Oatmeal | Manage gastrointestinal irritation, such as gastritis or acid reflux. Stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing digestion & absorption. Cholesterol reduction by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system. Soothe inflamed skin conditions |
Thought Exercise: Why Are So Many Mucilages Good Both Internally & Externally?
It is an interesting exercise to note that the last three of the above is traditionally considered food and not an herb (the plantain listed above is the plantain leaf, which is a ubiquitously-grown weed). Next time you’re looking at lotions and facial products, examine the labels. Many of the higher-priced ones have all if not most of the last three products for topical application, and yet, they’re also favored for their nutritional value.
This is a very important takeaway, because your respiratory tract is actually a bunch of skin and little hair follicles that cover the respiratory operators. The same thing with your gut lining. While they are a lot thinner than anything you have externally, there is a reason why they like the same things.
How to Incorporate Mucilaginous Nutrition Into Your Lifestyle
Integrating mucilaginous herbs into your daily routine is simple and rewarding. Here are some practical methods:
- Teas and Infusions: Herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root can be steeped in cool water for 60+ minutes to create viscous tea. Aim for a long steep time to maximize mucilage extraction. Add a bit to other tea of choice and heat before drinking.
- Smoothies: Add soaked chia seeds or flaxseeds to your morning smoothie for a boost of fiber and mucilage.
- Capsules or Powders: For convenience, many mucilaginous herbs are available in powdered or encapsulated form. Mix powders with water or juice, or take capsules as directed. Personally, I prefer powders since they allow the mucilage to line the respiratory tract as they are ingested vs. requiring the gut to do all the work of breaking them down and distributing them.
- Topical Applications: Aloe vera gel or plantain-infused salves are popular for skin hydration and healing, particularly during stressful times for the skin, e.g., sunburns and eczema.
- Haircare: I once found a shampoo with its primary ingredients of aloe and flax seeds in the discontinued section so I started making a version of it myself. It is quite effective and my hair and scalpel simply love it.
- Cooking: Incorporate soaked flaxseeds or chia seeds into oatmeal, baked goods, or puddings. Many aficionados of high-protein, high-fiber diets substitute ground oatmeal for traditional flour.
Where and How to Buy Mucilages
- Pre-Mixed Commercial Gut Support and Supplement Brands: Many commercial brands selling all-natural gut health support supplements incorporate one or more of the above into their mixes. This is a good way to go if you are short on time, space, and the DIY drive. Scan their ingredients list, the good brands will list what they have in it, even if they have the occasional patented ingredient.
Note: These supplements are sold as liquids, powders, and even gelatins. Read the labels, a fun experiment for a rainy day at the health food store!
- Pills: Your local natural store, or even the organic chain grocery store, will almost inevitably have pills. This is a very easy way to get started, though you won’t have control over how it gets extracted, as that will depend on how acidic your stomach is. Personally, I dislike taking pills so don’t go this route, but most people really like it!
Note: Vegans should be aware of whether the pill encasing is made of gelatin or is plant-based. - Loose Powder or Liquid: This is my favorite method since I can control how much I use, how it gets extracted, and all the other things I overthink in the herbal world 😉
- Aloe vera juice and extract, you can control whether you get aloe vera juice or aloe vera extract. Each is good in its own right, but for maximum effectiveness, ensure you’re getting it as close to pure as possible.
ImmerHealth promotes the sustainability of our herbal supply. Some of the above, particularly slippery elm, have been over-harvested. It is important to find sources that harvest sustainably, meaning they do not strip the adult trees too deeply, allowing them to regrow, but they also plant new slippery elm trees to replenish the slippery elm forests.
Precautions
While mucilaginous herbs are generally safe for most people, it’s important to:
- Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing medical conditions.
- Stay hydrated with high-quality water when consuming mucilaginous herbs, as their high fiber content requires adequate water intake to prevent digestive discomfort.
- Use high-quality products to ensure potency and safety.
Conclusion
Mucilaginous herbs are a natural and effective way to support your body’s healing processes. From improving digestion to soothing irritated tissues, their gentle yet powerful properties make them a valuable addition to any wellness routine. By understanding their benefits and learning how to incorporate them into your lifestyle, you can harness the healing power of these remarkable herbs for better health and vitality.
