Slippery elm (ulmus fulva) is a tree that originated in North America, where its inner bark has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a treatment for a wide range of illnesses, including peptic ulcers and skin inflammation. The inner bark of the slippery elm is used in herbal medicine as a primary ingredient in lung medications and is widely recommended as a complementary treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Slippery elm's principal ingredient, mucilage, is a long chain of complex sugars that becomes 'slippery' when it is mixed with water and is the reason behind its name. This slippery texture is said to be the reason behind slippery elm's successful use in the treatment of the digestive tract.
Nutritional Information
Slippery elm's sugar composition consists of mucilage, complex carbohydrates, tannins, calcium, vitamin E oxalate, flavonoids, salicylic acid, caprylic acid, and other compounds that contribute to its therapeutic value.
Its mineral and vitamin content makes it ideal for soothing, healing and strengthening mucous membranes as well as strengthening the body's internal organs and tissues.
Health Benefits and Uses of Slippery Elm
Because the slippery elm bark is the main part of the tree used for medicinal purposes, it can be prepared in a variety of ways depending on the application. The slippery elm bark powder is taken orally, whereas the salves and ointments are applied topically.
Aside from slippery elm powder, the tree's inner bark is also used as the main ingredient of teabags, loose bark, tablets, capsules and lozenges, among others. Coarse powdered bark may be dissolved in a small amount of water and applied as a poultice over open wounds, lesions and other skin infections.
Below are the different uses of this herbal remedy and its benefits for functional medicine.
Emollient
When taken orally, the mucilage content in slippery elm can help people with gastritis or other digestive health problems. The substance coats the mouth, oesophagus and stomach lining with a slick residue that can soothe sore throats, stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, acute gastritis and other gastrointestinal problems. The antioxidant effects of slippery elm are also helpful in relieving symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. As a topical application, slippery elm can be used to relieve skin ailments or minor skin injuries such as burns, cold sores, razor burns, scrapes and sunburn.
Expectorant
Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, slippery elm is an excellent expectorant for coughs, chest congestion, bronchitis and asthma.
Astringent
Slippery elm also contains tannins, which have astringent effects that help with bacterial infections. As such, it is used to treat weeping lesions, bleeding, open wounds and abscesses.
Demulcent
Demulcent properties refer to the soothing, softening, buffering and poison-drawing qualities of slippery elm. As such, it can be used to help neutralise stomach acids, boost the adrenal glands, draw out impurities and heal all parts of the body. It is also used as a natural ingredient in herbal colon cleansing programs.
Source: NHC
Other Uses for Slippery Elm
Slippery elm can be used for treating the following health conditions:
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Diaper rash
- Gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD)
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Precautions
In low dosages, slippery elm is nontoxic. While it has not been associated with any serious side effects and is considered to be generally safe, even for children, as long as it is administered in the recommended doses, pregnant and lactating women are advised to refrain from using it as a herbal supplement without proper guidance due to a lack of scientific studies on its possible toxic effects. Furthermore, the mucilage in slippery elm that coats your stomach lining and intestine may slow down the absorption of other drugs or substances that you may be taking.
It is still best to consult your healthcare provider for the proper dosage and method of taking slippery elm supplements.
Originally published on Oct 14, 2009
