Slippery Elm bark - powder

Excerpts from the book Nutritional Herbology

When ground to a fine powder, this bark makes an excellent flour extender and can be used in a variety of recipes. Some writers claim that it has a food value equal to that of oatmeal and have recommended it as a wholesome and nourishing food for invalids and children.

The demulcent, emollient and wound healing properties of slippery elm are due to its mucilage content. The mucilage is viscous fiber that lowers the bowel transit time, absorbs toxins from the bowel, regulates intestinal flora and soothes the lining of the digestive tract.

The demulcent effects are also active when the herb is used externally as a poultice or in an ointment.

The most popular use of slippery elm is as a demulcent expectorant. This property is explained by the ability of tannins to combine with mucous and precipitate it.

Slippery elm decoctions are consumed hourly to coat the throat and allow the tannins to congeal the mucous build-ups, thus facilitating the expulsion of excess mucous. Beware of respiratory formulas based on slippery elm that are in capsules or tablets to be swallowed as this negates any demulcent action on the throat.

Contains mucilaginous compounds that decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids. These compounds soothe inflamed tissue, decrease bowel transit time and absorb toxins from the bowel. It also contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues. Slippery elm has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, colitis, coughs, weak digestion and inflammatory bowel disease.

Excerpts from the book The How to Herb Book

Slippery elm is an amazing, mild-flavored, highly nutritious herb. It is used in many combinations and poultices not only because of its medicinal properties but also because of its cohesive quality that helps hold the other herbs together.

• In case of famine, it would be an excellent herb to store and to forage for eating.
• Mucilaginous and expands when mixed with water. Does not mix easily, use a blender, wire whip, fork, or shake in bottle, etc.
• Should be taken with lots of water.
• Contact healer both internally and externally. Coats, relaxes, and heals all inflamed tissues including irritated and inflamed mucous membranes of stomach, bowels, and kidneys.
• A gentle herb – one of the best for diarrhea especially for babies. It normalizes the stools, soothes, coats, and heals the entire intestinal tract lining.
• Used in enemas for scalding diarrhea because of soothing and healing qualities. The flavor hints of burnt caramel candy – most babies willingly eat a slippery elm mixture.
• Good for ulcers and delicate stomachs.
• Great of hiatal hernias. Must be taken in tea form or powder stirred in water for this. Capsules would dissolve in the stomach and the hernia would not be coated since it is above the stomach.
• Used for vaginal douches.

Has been used in the following:

• Bowels, Colon, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Diaper rash, Colitis, Dysentery, Diverticulitis
• Food, Gastrointestinal, Digestion, Ulcers, Hiatal hernia
• Sore Throat, Tonsillitis

Excerpts from the book The ABC Herbal

This mucilaginous herb also helps absorb toxins in the bowel. In fact, it is very soothing to the entire digestive system. It is useful especially for diarrhea, bowel weakness or as a mild nourishing food for sick children. Since the herb is slightly sweet, it is one that children will often take readily if it is mixed in some cereal, applesauce or fruit juice. We have also blended it with fruit juice and used it to make a "mock" chocolate drink by mixing it with hot milk and honey.

Tid Bits You'll Want to Know:

Uses: We add Slippery Elm to many food recipes (hot cereals, sauces, gravies, meat dishes, vegetable dishes, stir-fry, baby food and formulas, waffles and pancakes, ice cream, etc.). Of course, it's also a great medicine for any digestive and colon related conditions. It can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. It can be used as often as you would like.

Voice of Experience: Slippery Elm is a fantastic herb to "slip" into dishes on a daily basis. It exponentially boosts the nutritional content AND adds the wonderful medicinal benefits. Try it in various dishes in small amounts. You won't be disappointed.

Storage: Like many other bulk foods, Slippery Elm stores fairly well. It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place (no refrigeration is required).

Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.

Tracy Johnson
October 19, 2010 at 10:43 am

I bought this product for my dog, she has had a mast cell tumor, so the vet suggested that I keep her on pepcid ac all the time, so I started giving her slippery elm powder in her meals and it really seems to have helped her. This is the first time I have purchased from More Than Alive and their product is great and fast delivery, I will definitely order from them again. Thanks

Alison
June 8, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Hi, I have followed your site for years. I have a question. I have been taking slippery elm for IBS with wonderful results. Now, I just found out that I am pregnant, and I have stopped taking all my herbs. (miss them dearly) Is slippery elm ok to take? I've searched the web and get conflicting results. We live in the boondocks, no herbalists around here! Please help. Thanks

Ann
October 14, 2011 at 2:40 pm

I'm not sure if you've delivered your bundle of joy yet, but I just met a young lady who purchased the herb "Red Raspberry" leaves which promotes strengthening the wall of uterus and entire female reproductive system. Additionally, I read that it:
• Alleviates morning sickness and nausea. Has been used as a preventative for hemorrhaging during labor. Assists labor, makes delivery easier and relieves after pains. Tones and regulates before, during and after childbirth.
• Increases and enriches milk for lactation, can be combined with marshmallow tea.
• Raspberry tea is mild and pleasant to taste. It is good for stomachaches and bowel problems in children. For diarrhea in babies.

jackie
January 6, 2013 at 7:53 pm

I see that slippery elm is an ingredient in throat coat tea. I had a cup this morning and was about to have my second cup when I read not to drink it because I am pregnant. Trying to figure out what could happen it seems slippery elm is why I wasn't supposed to drink it but nothing is telling me what the side effects are. What could happen?