Slippery Elm Bark

A medium sized tree, slippery elm is native to North America and has a trunk, which has deep fissures in its bark, a distinct slight odor, and gummy texture. They use the inner bark of the slipper elm for medicinal purposes. For centuries, in North America, Native Americans have used slippery elm herbal remedies as poultices and healing salves for infected wounds, skin inflammation, burns, ulcers, and boils. They used the gummy secretion or bark mucilage to put on their infected wounds. The Cherokee were known to use slippery elm for eyewash, skin conditions, and coughs. Slippery elm was once commonly used to treat typhoid fever and tuberculosis.

Some people suffering from acid reflux find that taking slippery elm bark tea gives them relief from acid reflux. Found in health food stores, people drink the slippery elm bark tea with their meal. This tea reduces the throats sensitivity to acid by coating the lining of the esophagus. Simply put the shredded slippery elm bark or slippery elm bark powder into hot water and steep. Never take slippery elm bark or any supplements without talking to your family doctor first.

The bast or dried slippery elm inner bark is a nutritive, calcium-rich substance, which contains vitamin E, a small amount of tannins, starch, a large amount of mucilage, and bioflavonoid. Depending upon the way it is prepared, slipper elm bark acts as a diuretic, expectorant, emollient, and demulcent. Slippery elm bark for urinary tract problems is a soothing tonic. It also benefits the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and adrenal glands. Buyers of slippery elm bark use the syrup or infusion to treat duodenal or stomach ulcers, bronchitis, laryngitis, and soar throats. Many health food stores selling slippery elm bark claim that the inner bark of the slippery elm helps treat irritated tissues in the urinary tract, colon, intestines, and lungs and may be helpful treating Crohn’s disease. Slippery elm bark is available in capsules, tablets, coarsely powdered bark used to make poultices, lozenges, and finely powdered for making tea and drinks.

Slippery elm bark as with any herbs could contain active substances that cause side effects or interact with other medications, supplements or herbs. It is best to talk to your doctor or someone knowledgeable in the botanical medicine field. Although thought to be safe for nursing and pregnant women, there are few scientific tests available on this.