Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva), also known as Red Elm, Indian Elm, or Moose Elm, is a deciduous tree native to North America and Canada. For therapeutic use, the inner bark is collected from trees that are at least 10 years old. Native Americans traditionally used it as a poultice for wounds, boils, ulcers, or as an eye wash. Internally, they used it to treat coughs, colds and fevers and soothe the digestive tract, which is also one of its main uses today. The name „Slippery Elm“ refers to the texture of the herb with its large mucilage content, the mucilage being responsible for the healing and soothing action. Slippery Elm bark is also very nutritious. It is ground into a gruel and used for the weak and convalescent, but also as a baby food.
Slippery Elm Medical Uses
Internally, Slippery Elm helps to relieve a great number of digestive complaints, such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and diverticulitis, colic and inflammation of the gut, stomach and intestinal ulcers, diarrhoea, and acid indigestion or reflux to which it can give instant relief. It is further used for pharyngitis and urinary infections, such as cystitis, as well as for respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis. As a nutritive, Slippery Elm is very good for the weak and convalescent, but also as a baby food. Externally, Slippery Elm is used to treat wounds, burns, and inflammation of any kind, including diaper rash. It also helps to draw out toxins, like those associated with spots, boils, or abscesses.
Slippery Elm Products and Dosage
Slippery Elm is available in tablet, capsule, lozenge, and finely and coarsely powdered form. The finely powdered bark is used for drinks, infusions, decoctions, and liquid extract, the coarsely powdered bark is used for poultices. For a decoction, 1 part of powdered bark is dissolved in 8 parts of water and simmered for an hour or longer. This makes a mucilaginous drink that can be taken as often as liked or needed. It can also be added to juice or oatmeal. For an infusion, 2 cups of boiling water are poured over 4 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark and then steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. This infusion should be taken 3 times a day. Capsules (325 mg) can be taken 1-8 capsules 3 times a day. Lozenges should be taken following the dosing instructions on the label. For external application, coarsely powdered bark is mixed with boiling water to make a poultice. Slippery Elm is often combined with other digestive herbs, such as Peppermint, Aniseed, or Cardamon. There are also many products for the bowels, kidneys, or the urinary tract which contain Slippery Elm.
Slippery Elm Risks and Precautions
There are no known contra-indications for Slippery Elm when taken in recommended therapeutic doses. However, as Slippery Elm may decrease the absorption of oral medications, it is advised to take Slippery Elm several hours before or after these medications.
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