Slippery Elm bark is a great demulcent

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Hi there! Here's my latest write up on Slippery Elm. What do you

think?

 

Thalia C.

http://www.herbalhomeremedies.com

 

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HerbTalk October 31, 2000 – Slippery Elm

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INSIDE:

 

- Herbfacts: Slippery Elm

- Healing Benefits

- How to Use Slippery Elm

- Porridge Recipe for the Ill (and for Cats)

 

I. HERBFACTS: SLIPPERY ELM

 

The Slippery Elm tree (Ulmus fulva) is named for the slippery inner

bark. It is a small tree with toothed, hairy leaves, that can live to

be 200 years old. Slippery Elm is native to North America, and grows

in the central and eastern United States and Canada.

 

The Iroquois tribe used Slippery Elm bark as medicine for sore

throats, coughs, diarrhea, and wounds. The Iroquois name for

Slippery Elm means " it slips " . Native Americans used Slippery Elm in

canoes and baskets and to make a sticky trap for small birds. Early

American settlers pounded the bark to make poultices (which dried

into natural bandages) to heal wounds, cuts, and burns by relieving

inflamed areas. They also used the bark in tea for throat

inflammation and as a survival food.

 

II. HEALING BENEFITS

 

Slippery Elm was once listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (the official

medicine listing) as a demulcent (soothing) herb, which means it

lubricates and soothes inflamed tissues. The active ingredient in

Slippery Elm is mucilage, which is found in the inner bark. Mucilage

is related to natural gum resin, and has extraordinary cleansing and

healing properties. In addition to mucilage, Slippery Elm contains

bioflavonoids, calcium and Vitamin E.

 

Slippery Elm provides relief along the entire gastrointestinal tract

and eases sore throats, coughs, stomach ulcers, cystitis, diarrhea,

constipation, and gynecological problems in women. The bark also

helps protect joints, alleviating arthritis inflammation.

 

Slippery Elm eases digestion to help the body draw out impurities.

The mucilage sticks to toxins in the bowels and helps to discharge

the toxins. Mucilage also gathers troublesome mucous and passes it

down through the intestines. Mucilage helps the body expel excess

mucus through productive coughing.

 

III. HOW TO USE SLIPPERY ELM

 

Make an infusion (Slippery Elm tea): Add 1 teaspoon Slippery Elm bark

to 1 cup of boiling water, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add a pinch of

cayenne pepper and a slice of lemon if desired. Cool before

drinking. Strain if desired. Drink up to three cups per day. The

tea has a rather bland taste. You may experience one or

two " productive " coughs to expel the phlegm.

 

Make a poultice: Slippery Elm poultices draw out infections and

relieve muscle pain, wounds, boils, ulcers and burns. Powder some

shredded bark in a food processor. Clean the wound with soap and

water. Make a paste with ¼ cup of the powder and a little warm

water. Spread the paste onto a soft cotton cloth. Place the cloth

over the wound and allow it to dry as a natural bandage. If you apply

it to an open wound, place the paste between two cloths. After 30

minutes, rinse the poultice with warm water to remove.

 

Make a compress: soak the infusion (recipe above) in a clean cloth,

wring out and apply it either heated to very warm (not burning) to

relax and stimulate, or cold to calm swelling from sprains and

bruises. Cover with a dry towel. Keep changing every few minutes for

20 minutes. Always use compresses in a warm and comfortable room.

 

IV. PORRIDGE RECIPE FOR THE ILL (AND FOR CATS)

 

The mucilage in this mild-flavored porridge soothes throat, stomach

and bowel problems. The porridge is as nutritious as oatmeal and can

be used as a food for the ill. It is easy to digest, and is usually

tolerated by nervous stomachs. Try Slippery Elm porridge for cats

with diarrhea: mix a little into your cat's food whenever your

cat has loose stools. Use for 2-3 days or until the problem resolves.

Consult a vet before trying the cat remedy, because your cat may have

an infection or other condition.

 

Porridge recipe: Powder some shredded bark in your food processor.

Mix one teaspoon powder with a little cold water to make a smooth,

thin paste. Pour 2 cups boiling water over this, gently and

constantly stirring the mixture. You can flavor this with honey,

lemon, or cinnamon. Serve warm. Take on an empty stomach, three times

per day.

 

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I hope you have enjoyed this issue of HerbTalk. Please feel free to

forward this newsletter to anyone you think may benefit from it. Be

sure to include the copyright notice below.

 

2000 Thalia Cambouroglou. All rights reserved.

 

This newsletter is for informational purposes only. Please consult a

doctor before taking any herbs, especially if you are taking

prescription medication, if you have chronic illness, if you are

pregnant, lactating, under 18 or elderly.