Slippery Elm Review And Information
Slippery elm trees grow throughout North America, reaching heights of up to 60 feet and thriving on high ground in areas where the soil drains well. The tree gets its name from the fact that its bark becomes very slippery when put into hot water.
When the pilgrims arrived from England in colonial times, they observed that Native American people used the inner bark of the slippery elm tree for medicinal purposes. They used it to make a poultice to treat wounds by soaking the bark in water and then allowing it to dry over the affected area. They also created a medicinal gruel from slippery elm bark and water. In fact, gruel made from slippery elm has the same nutritional value as oatmeal. The Native Americans also wrapped slippery elm around fresh pieces of meat to keep the meat from spoiling.
Today, slippery elm bark is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including wounds, burns, sore throats, gastrointestinal distress and ulcers. It is especially useful for people with stomach problems and is said to help neutralize stomach and intestinal acid as well as sooth indigestion when taken internally. Because it believed to help facilitate the production of mucus in the gut, slippery elm is often used to treat colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and food poisoning.
People with acid reflux disease have reported that slippery elm bark helps to calm the symptoms of burning in the esophagus associated with this condition. The bark is made up of a highly digestible complex carbohydrate called mucilage that has a very soothing, anti-inflammatory effect. When applied topically, slippery elm appears to help heal and sooth skin on any part of the body to which it is applied.
Slippery elm can be taken in powdered form by mixing it with water, or it can be used to make a tea. Tinctures of slippery elm are also available, and it is sometimes an ingredient in cough medicines and lozenges.
Slippery elm is useful in combination with other herbs to treat specific conditions. For instance, when mixed with comfrey, it is said to be an effective treatment for ulcers. In combination with loosestrife, it can stop diarrhea, and it helps to control intestinal gas when mixed with angelica. When used topically in a poultice, slippery elm is especially effective when combined with such antibacterial herbs as wild thyme and burdock. A tea made from equal parts slippery elm, catnip and comfrey is said to be an excellent remedy for people with stomach ulcers.
Since it is considered a food, there is no specific recommended dosage of slippery elm, though it appears that two to five teaspoons of the powdered bark mixed with water is an effective range. Tablets and capsules containing 400-500 milligrams of slippery elm are usually taken up to four times per day.
This herb should not be taken at the same time as any other supplements or medications because its high mucilage content may interfere with the absorption of other substances. Also, pregnant women should not use slippery elm because it is thought to increase the risk of miscarriage.
