What is Slippery Elm? The slippery elm tree is native to eastern Canada and eastern and central US, where it is found most commonly in the Appalachian mountains. The trunk is reddish brown with gray-white bark on the branches. In the spring, dark brown floral buds appear and open into small, clustered flowers at the branch tips. White elm (U. americana) is a related species used in a similar manner. Scientific Name(s) Ulmus rubra. Also known as U. fulva. Common Name(s) Slippery elm also is known as red elm, Indian elm, moose elm, and sweet elm.

What’s It Used For?

Slippery elm can be used to soothe a number of symptoms.

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Slippery elm bark is a demulcent. This means that it is capable of soothing the lining of the stomach and intestines and reducing irritation. Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents.

Recent studies have shown that slippery elm bark can help treat the symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

One small clinical study found that a mixture containing slippery elm enhanced bowel movements in patients with constipation-predominant IBS; however, the bark was part of a mixture of ingredients, and no study to date has supported these findings. Another studyTrusted Source found that slippery elm had an antioxidant effect in people with Crohn’s disease.

More research is needed to confirm these effects.

• Soothing a Cough and Sore Throat

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a sticky mixture of sugars that can’t be broken down by the human digestive tract. The mucilage coats the throat, so it’s no surprise that slippery elm is found commercially in many brands of throat lozenges.

Slippery elm is believed to be an antitussive, meaning it’s great for coughs and for symptoms of other upper respiratory ailments like bronchitis or asthma. Again, there are no studies to support or refute these claims.

A study examining the bark’s use in people with laryngitis or throat inflammation and voice problems has also shown some potential soothing effects. More research is needed.

• Irritation of the Urinary Tract

Slippery elm is sometimes recommended to people who experience unexplained inflammation of the urinary tract, like those with interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome). Slippery elm powder is thought to soothe the lining of the urinary tract. Therefore, it might help alleviate the painful irritating symptoms. Again, studies are needed to either support or refute these claims.

As a mild diuretic, it also helps increase the flow of urine and eliminate waste from the body.

• Heartburn and GERD

Slippery elm may be helpful for treating occasional heartburn, also known as acid reflux. It’s also considered an herbal remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back into esophagus and irritates the lining.

The mucilage of slippery elm coats the esophagus and may help prevent the irritation and inflammation that occurs when stomach acid flows up the esophagus.

If you experience heartburn or GERD, check with your doctor. He may agree to you trying a mix of 1-2 tablespoons of slippery elm with a glass of water and drinking it after a meal as a natural remedy.

How to Use

Slippery elm bark can typically be found at your local health food store in a variety of forms — including tea, lozenges, capsules and tablets, poultice, and extract. If possible, speak with an herbalist or nutritionist for help finding what works for you.

Here are some of the most common uses and forms:

Diarrhea: treatment by ingestion of capsules, tablets, tea, tincture and extracts

Cough: treatment by lozenges, tea, tincture, and extracts

Acid reflux: treatment by tea, and extracts

Constipation: treatment by powder or extract added to food

External skin conditions: treatment by shampoo or topical cream infused with extract.

Dosage Recommendations: Dosage is usually dependent on weight. If making slippery elm tea at home (see below) use about 2–3 teaspoons of powder per one-cup serving. You can consume the tea 1–2 times daily. A general recommendation in capsule/tablet form is a dosage of about 1,600 milligrams daily, taken in 2–3 divided doses. Because the concentration of slippery elm varies depending on the specific supplement, always read the product’s dosage recommendations carefully.

Slippery Elm Tea Recipe Ingredients 1 tablespoon slippery elm bark powder 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon local honey (optional) 3 ounces almond or coconut milk 1/2 teaspoon of cacao sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions Add boiling water to cup. Add the slippery elm bark powder and stir well. Then add the honey, almond or coconut milk. Stir again. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

In summary, Slippery elm bark is a natural substance extracted from mountain rocks. Its unique composition and wide range of health benefits make it an increasingly popular choice for people looking to improve their health. Whether in capsule, tablet or drop form, shilajit extract provides a convenient and effective way to incorporate this valuable supplement into your daily life. Boost your health naturally with Slippery elm bark and experience the incredible benefits it has to offer.

 Aogu Biotech is a company specializing in the production and sales of pharmacologically active substances, raw materials and plant extracts. Their expertise in extracting the beneficial ingredients of this plant ensures the highest quality of products for human use.  Aogubio specializes in supplement manufacturing of nutraceuticals, providing a reliable and trustworthy option for those in need of Cardiospermum halicacabum-based solutions.