Purpose of Slippery Elm Bark

Internal Uses

• The slippery mucilage from the tree's bark coats the throat, stomach and gastrointestinal tract when consumed, bringing soothing relief to irritated mucus membranes. It is utilized as a remedy for sore throats and upset stomachs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, slippery elm bark also contains antioxidants that alleviate inflammatory bowl conditions.

  In her book "The Complete Herbal Guide," author Stacy Chillemi reports that slippery elm also neutralizes excess intestinal acids, making it an appropriate natural remedy for such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease. It's also recommended for healing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea and coughs.

External Uses

• Slippery elm is also capable of ameliorating external cuts, burns, scrapes, bruises and abrasions. In "A Modern Herbal," herbalist Maud Grieve relates the use of this botanical substance by Native Americans for healing all manner of external damage to the body. Grieve suggests making a slippery elm poultice by simply mixing the powdered bark with hot water to form a slimy paste, then spreading the paste evenly onto a clean cotton cloth that is applied to the affected area.

Consumption

• Slippery elm bark is mixed with water to form a paste that is consumed. It is also brewed as a tea. When powdered and mixed with water to make a gelatinous gruel, the bark is a highly nutritious substance suitable for nourishing infants and the elderly, as well as patients recovering their strength. According to Chillemi, slippery elm contains complex carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and zinc.

  The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests concocting an infusion by pouring 2 cups boiling water over 2 tbsp. of powdered bark. As this substance coats the stomach and intestines, it sometimes hinders the body's absorption of other medicines. For this reason, take slippery elm no less then 2 hours before or after other medications.

History

• Members of several Native American tribes, such as the Ojibwa, the Mohegan and the Chippewa, use slippery elm bark to cure sore throats, burns, cuts, rashes and gastrointestinal complaints. When English colonists arrived in eastern North America, they adopted the use of slippery elm bark. This herbal remedy is recorded as being used at the Battle of Valley Forge. both to treat gunshot wounds and as a source of food.