by Louise Mclean, LCCH.
It is what is known as a mucilage, which soothes and coats the mucous membranes in the body, absorbing toxins.
It is extremely beneficial to use for sore throats and respiratory problems, especially bronchitis and chest colds, as it loosens up all the mucus. I had a bad chest cold recently, feeling a bit feverish and not getting better until I took a good homeopathic remedy and also some Slippery Elm for a few days. It soothes the coughing as well.
I remember my Mother used to tell me how my Great Aunt Connie loved using herbs and swore by Slippery Elm around a 100 years ago!
It is also well known for massively easing digestive problems, as well as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
Slippery Elm is very good for people with any inflammatory urinary problems such as cystitis, as it soothes the lining of the urinary tract. It also acts as a mild diuretic, increasing urine output and eliminating wastes.
It is considered to be anti-inflammatory and a friend has found it extremely useful for stiffness and arthritis. She says her stiff joints are greatly improved when she takes it, when nothing else works so well for her.
Slippery Elm is good for the skin and is reported to help psoriasis. You can also make a poultice with it to treat wounds, cuts, boils and insect bites.
Slippery Elm tastes a bit like porridge oats, when you mix the powder up with milk, yoghourt or water and eat it. I add a little honey for flavour.
It is very nutritious and contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, Vitamin C, B vitamins and antioxidants.
The indigenous people of North America revered the elm tree and they taught the Europeans how to use the bark for wounds. They say George Washington's troops survived by eating slippery elm for 12 days during the siege at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania in 1777 and if they had not done so, the outcome of the battle would have been very different.
I buy this one.
https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/slippery-elm-bark
