What Are the Uses of Slippery Elms

Traditional Uses

• Slippery elm is used in North America for its medicinal properties. The Native Americans use it for the treatment of boils, burns, wounds, skin inflammations and ulcers. Taken orally to relieve coughs, stomach problems, diarrhea and sore throats, slippery elm contains mucilage, a slippery, gummy substance.

Medicinal Uses

• The inner bark of the slippery elm is used medicinally for the treatment of sores and other lesions in addition to inflamed areas. It has also been used as an emollient, antitussive, diuretic, laxative and a demulcent to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. The mucilage in the inner bark serves as an effective cough suppressant and soothes sore throats.

Other Uses

• Slippery elm is used to treat gastrointestinal problems, including gastritis, mucous colitis and enteritis. Tinctures containing slippery elm are used internally to treat diarrhea, constipation and kidney problems. Slippery elm is often combined with other herbs, such as mullein, marshmallow, saw palmetto, thyme and aloe vera in the treatment of other ailments. As with all herbs, consult with a health professional before starting any herbal regimen.

Characteristics

• Slippery elm is native to North America and is a medium-size deciduous tree that grows 50 to 80 feet tall. The flowers form dense clusters without any stems, and the leaves are green in color and darken in the fall. The bark of the slippery elm has a distinct odor, deep fissures and a gummy texture. The mucilage surrounding the inner fibers of the bark swells when in contact with water, creating a medicinal ointment.