Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm Uses and Benefits

Today, the herb is used for the many benefits of slippery elm. It comes n handy as a demulcent, emollient, expectorant, diuretic, and nutritive as listed below: The health benefits of slippery elm are rooted mainly in its soothing properties. It is thus effectively used as a mucilaginous herb internally to coat and soothe mucous membranes while also absorbing toxins which can cause intestinal imbalances. Slippery elm is an effective remedy for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and heartburn. The Cherokee have used the viscous inner bark of the slippery elm to prepare a healing salve, and in herbal medicine it is used as one of the best possible poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and all inflamed surfaces, soothing, healing and reducing pain and inflammation.

The benefits of slippery elm also extend to being a simple food. As a part of normal diets, slippery elm’s inner bark can be ground and eaten as porridge. It is very nutritious and packed with antioxidants, with a similar taste and consistency like oatmeal. It also makes a wholesome and sustaining food for invalids and infants.

As a heart remedy, a cocktail of a pint of slippery elm drink has been prescribed alternately with Bugleweed compound.

The slippery elm plant, more specifically slippery elm bark, is also part of a North American formula called Essiac, which is a popular herbal treatment for cancer.

Another of the benefits of slippery Elm bark is that it is attributed with healing effects upon diseases of the female organs.

An earlier use for slippery elm inner bark was as a mechanical irritant to abort foetuses. Its use became widespread and uncontrolled, and therefore it is now banned in a number of countries.

Slippery elm is particularly valuable both medicinally and as an injection in dysentery and other diseases of the bowels, cystitis as well as irritation of the urinary tract.

Slippery elm bark is used as an antioxidant to prevent fats going rancid.

Slippery elm is particularly valuable both medicinally and as an injection in dysentery and other diseases of the bowels, cystitis as well as irritation of the urinary tract.

Slippery elm bark is used as an antioxidant to prevent fats going rancid.

Slippery elm is also used to make burial caskets, rope, chords, fence posts, furniture, and some musical instruments such as drums.

It has been claimed that a pinch of slippery elm powder put into a hollow tooth arrests the pain and greatly delays decay, if used on first noticing any sign of decay.

It is also said that 'lozenges containing 3 grains of elm flavored with methyl salicylate are used as a demulcent '.

Mucilage is the most abundant constituent of slippery elm bark, but the tree also contains starch, sugar, calcium, iodine, bromine, amino acids, and traces of manganese and zinc. Many people eat slippery elm to soothe and nourish the body.

Slippery elm helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, vagina, and esophagus. It is often recommended as a restorative herb for people who suffer from prolonged flu, stomach upset, chronic indigestion, and resulting malnutrition. You can use slippery elm to soothe ulcers and stomach inflammation, irritated intestines, vaginal inflammation, sore throat, coughs, and a hoarse voice

The powder can also be used in rectal and vaginal suppositories to soothe inflammation of these tissues. For treating a simple sore throat or cough, try slippery elm lozenges or open capsules prepared with hot water as a tea.

Side Effects of Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is usually well tolerated. Whether taking it in tea, as a lozenge or in another form, slippery elm's mild nature makes it a useful herb to treat inflammation and its resulting discomfort.