Slippery Elm

DEFINITION

Slippery Elm is a herb with the botanical name Ulmus fulva and is part of the Ulmaceae family of plants. This herb is native to Central, Northern United States of America and Canada and is a small tree with long leaves and very rough branches. The leaf buds are covered with a dense, yellow, wool like growth. The all important inner bark is collected from the larger branches and is sold commercially in strips 60 to 90 cm long. It is very flexible and can be bent double without breaking. The herb has a mucilaginous taste and a slight smell.

Slippery elm is also known as Red Elm, Moose Elm and Indian Elm. The inner bark is harvested and ground to a fine powder. This powder is used in herbal medicine. It contains mucilage (galactose, 3-methyl galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid residues), tannin and complex carbohydrates. The fine ground bark can be sprinkled on cereals or stirred into water, yoghurt or juices.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Slippery Elm contains substances called tannins, which can reduce the absorption of iron supplements if these are taken within about two hours of consuming the herb.
-The mucilage in Slippery Elm may reduce the absorption of any oral medications taken with this herb

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions. The main use of this herb is to soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system. Slippery Elm also becomes a food for beneficial bacteria in the large intestine which assist in the repair of the digestive tract.
Slippery Elm soothes the inflammation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum and provides a protective barrier between the ulcer and damaging stomach acid. Through a reflex action, this herb can also be used to soothe inflamed and irritated Mucous membranes of the respiratory and urinary tracts.

Slippery Elm is a valuable herb to assist in relieving the symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea by soothing inflammation and increasing stool bulk. It can be used as a soothing nutritious agent for sensitive digestion during convalescence and illness.

Slippery elm can be used as a poultice on furuncles, abscesses and ulcers.

PROPERTIES

Demulcent and emollient properties, nutrient, anti-tussive (stops coughing).

NOTES

-Be sure to drink plenty of water when taking Slippery Elm as it is able to absorb many times its own weight in water and may rob the body of fluid.
-Slippery elm is thought to be safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.