Abstract: Mucilages and mucilage extracts are disclosed that are effective as water-soluble, non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally benign lubricants and/or coolants for a variety of industrial and machining purposes. One embodiment of the invention is a cooling and/or lubricating composition comprises a sufficient amount of the mucilage to cool and/or lubricate a machining surface. Other embodiments further comprise a sufficient amount of a preservative to substantially inhibit degradation of the composition. Also encompassed within the scope of this invention are methods for making mucilage-comprising cooling and/or lubricating compositions, as well as concentrating and drying such compositions.