Slippery Elm

Description

Parts used

The spongy inner bark of the tree is dried and powdered for medicinal use.

Constituents

Slippery elm bark contains mucilage, a substance that absorbs water and swells, taking on a gel-like consistency. The gel coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. It also stimulates the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to protect it against ulcers and excess acidity. Tannins in slippery elm have an astringent effect.
Slippery elm also contains antioxidants such as sesquiterpenes that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. The extract is believed to be useful in tumour reduction and treating cancer.

Medicinal uses

Herbal practitioners prescribe slippery elm to:

• Treat sore throat and coughs.
• Soothe pain and discomfort of indigestion and gastric reflux, as well as irritation of the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
• The anti–inflammatory action of flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and other antioxidants reduces inflammation in the intestines and bowel, making slippery elm useful to ease irritable bowel syndrome.
• The astringent action of the tannins in slippery elm tightens the bowel and reduces diarrhoea, preventing dehydration.
• Use with Clove to treat ulcers.
• Slippery elm is one of four primary components of the herbal cancer remedy, Essiac Powder.
• Help the body recover during convalescence.