Pastille

Pastille is a type of candy or medicinal tablet that is made to be slowly dissolved in the mouth. Originally, pastilles were a form of medication and were used to deliver drugs or to soothe the throat. Today, they are also popular as a type of confectionery.

History

The term "pastille" comes from the Latin word "pastillus", which means "little bread loaf". This is in reference to the original shape of pastilles, which were small, round lozenges. Pastilles were first used in the Roman Empire as a form of medication. They were made from various herbs and spices that were believed to have medicinal properties.

Medicinal Use

In the medical field, pastilles are often used as a delivery method for drugs. They are designed to slowly dissolve in the mouth, allowing the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the mouth. This can be beneficial for medications that are not easily absorbed through the stomach or intestines, or for medications that need to be delivered quickly.

Pastilles are also commonly used to soothe the throat. They often contain ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus that can help to numb the throat and reduce pain and inflammation. Some pastilles may also contain antiseptics to help kill bacteria in the throat.

Confectionery Use

In addition to their medicinal uses, pastilles are also popular as a type of confectionery. They are often flavored with fruits or spices and are made to be slowly savored in the mouth. Some popular types of confectionery pastilles include liquorice pastilles, fruit pastilles, and mint pastilles.

See Also

• Lozenge
• Candy
• Medication

Pastille Resources
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