Native Americans and early settlers were the first to discover the versatility and benefits of slippery elm bark that went on to become an official drug until 1936.
Slippery elm gets its name from the bark of this tree being identified as ‘slippery’, due to it’s high mucilage content.
When we consume mucilage it is not digested or dissolved, but it does swell in the presence of water. Slippery elm is so high in mucilage that as little as 10 grains of the powdered bark will make a thick jelly out of 30ml of water.
Slippery elm is known as a soothing, nutritionally dense herb that coats the gastrointestinal tract to lubricate, nourish and reduce irritation. This makes it an ideal choice for any digestive complaint including colitis, diarrhoea, heartburn, etc.
Often used as a first food for weaning, in convalescence and the elderly, it can also be used for irritable cough when taken as a powder and can help soothe the pain of ulcers due to its ability to reduce irritation. It has proven to be very safe and effective in all these situations, having a unique taste that is often compared with cardboard, which is why it is available in capsule form.
In day to day use slippery elm has proven very beneficial to the whole digestive tract, especially for those of us under stress. After a meal or following a stressful day or event, the stomach may rumble and create excessive gas, or you may experience general indigestion. This is where slippery elm can be particularly useful.
(First published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Vol. 17 Issue 1)