Slippery Elm Bark – brilliant digestive herb
The Benefits of Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is native to Canada and the USA. It is a member of the Elm (Ulmus) family. It can particularly be found growing in the Appalachian Mountains down the whole East side of the USA and Canada.
It is the Slippery Elm Bark which is used therapeutically. To harvest this, part of the outer bark of Slippery Elm is stripped off trees which are more than 10 years old, and the inner bark collected. This bark, when powdered, gives us Slippery Elm.
Only a portion of the bark is stripped in this fashion so as not to harm the tree, which will regrow the missing bark.
Traditional Uses of Slippery Elm
Soothing Slippery Elm was traditionally used by Native Americans for many purposes relating to the skin, digestion and to help support the body’s natural healing processes in general.
Slippery Elm and Safety
Slippery elm has a great reputation for being safe for all the family. It is very easy to digest and nutritious. It is also a very mild herb. This makes it able to be used by the elderly as well as for children.
The only slight caution is that if a person is taking drugs, it may be wise to take them away from the Slippery Elm because the herb is so glutinous it just might mask the effects of the drugs. This is not a ‘known’ concern; but it is suggested as a ‘super-safety’ measure.
Uses of Slippery Elm Today
Slippery Elm is mainly used to support the digestion – stomach, small intestine and colon – and help to keep these areas in a soothed state. Many people praise Slippery Elm to the skies for this benefit.
It can also be applied externally as a thick paste to the skin. When it dries it will adhere to the skin.
Slippery Elm can also be used as a carrier herb when it is desired to apply other herbs to the skin. The other herbs can be mixed in with the Slippery Elm, applied to the skin and allowed to dry. If covered with a bandage they will adhere to the skin for some time.
How To Take Slippery Elm
This is the way which Slippery Elm is recommended to be taken. Incredibly, one teaspoon of powdered Slippery Elm Bark will make a whole mugful of thick Slippery Elm drink. It’s not tea really – more of a thin porridge-like drink. Some people do dislike the texture; it is quite glutinous – but it is the best way to take it. This is because the tea will have the best effect in coating every tissue it touches.
It is also the most economical way to use Slippery Elm.
Additive-free. Make sure to take Slippery Elm Tea which is free of additives – especially sugar. If you want a sweetener, add a little honey or maple syrup.
If you find the tea unpalatable, or if it is just too inconvenient to make it sometimes, then Slippery Elm Capsules are available. Take several capsules with a drink of at least a mugful of liquid.
We have one additional Slippery Elm product in our range. This is a unique formula made particularly to help the stomach to keep calm and relaxed; it is called Slippery Elm Plus. Slippery Elm Plus contains some extra spices known to help the stomach stay calm and comfortable. These are: Cloves, Cinnamon and Peppermint.
How Long To Take It For?
Slippery Elm can safely be taken for as long as desired. It will have no harmful effects if used in the long term. The Tea can be drunk or capsuled swallowed every day if desired – like a herb tea.
Slippery Elm – Fantastic Herb
Slippery Elm is one of the top herbs which few herbalists would want to be without. It is a very valuable herb with several important purposes. When you wish to keep the whole digestive tract in a soothed state, Slippery Elm must be your top choice.