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Slippery elm

Slippery elm trees are native to North America. Slippery Elm has been employed in traditional herbal medicine for over 100 years. Slippery elm bark (ulmus rubra) is a well-known herb used to counteract inflammation and relieve gastro-intestinal irritation. Slippery elm is a nutritious food that was made into a type of pudding for those who had weak stomachs. Slippery elm is soothing to irritated tissues and has been used in poultices for its ability to encourage healing in wounds. Slippery elm bark aids in digestion since it soothes inflamed mucous membranes (demulcent effect) of the bowels, urinary tract, and stomach. It is good for heartburn, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. The herb may help increase stomach acid secretions, a function that is beneficial to the blood type A's normally low stomach acid content. Slippery elm nourishes the adrenal glands, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system. It helps the body expel excess mucus. Other conditions, for which slippery elm is used, include: abscess, broken bones, bums and scalds, cholera, colitis, constipation in children, debility, diaper rash, diarrhea in children, diverticulitis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia, indigestion, labor pain, leprosy and sore throat. The slippery elm is demulcent and mucilaginous, containing as much as 50% mucilage. It is derived from the inner bark of Ulmus fulva, which is dried and ground to a very fine powder, known to be highly nutritious.

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