Slippery elm is a tree, which naturally grows in North America and has been used by native Americans for a variety of conditions for centuries. The bark of the tree is commonly used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Slippery elm
Slippery elm bark contains very high levels of mucilage, which is rich in polysaccharides. It also contains starch, a small amount of tannin and minerals. The mucilage has demulcent, emollient, soothing and healing properties particularly to the mucous membranes of the digestive system and the skin.
Slippery elm Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend slippery elm for the following disorders:
Candidiasis (systemic)
Constipation
Crohn’s disease
Diarrhoea
E.coli
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Heartburn
IBS
Indigestion
Sore throat
Stomach ulcers
Other Slippery elm Information
Other main uses of Slippery elm include Convalescing (– Slippery elm food is nutritive and easy to digest), Coughs, Digestive disorders, Wound healing (- topical). Slippery elm powder can be made into a gruel by adding a cupful of hot water, milk (or half of each) to a teaspoon of the powder.
Whisk to a smooth consistency, sweeten with a little honey and spice with Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg or Ginger as appropriate. Simmer a stick of Liquorice in the water, which you use to make up the gruel and you have a perfect prescription for a tight, chesty cough.
Slippery elm can also be used topically as a poultice to help soothe and heal minor skin injuries and disorders, and lozenges of slippery elm can be obtained and are ideal for sore throats. Tablets are also available.
Side Effects of Slippery elm
Generally there are no side effects from using Slippery elm and it is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Slippery elm may interfere with the absorption of certain types of medication, therefore it is advisable to take these at least 2-3 hours apart and only with your doctors approval.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb slippery elm.
1 responses to Herb Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
does slippery elm interfere with absorption of contraceptive pill?
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