Slippery Elm Bark, Cut & Sifted (Ulmus rubra) – Dried Herb, Organic

The Slippery Elm tree is a large deciduous tree that is native to North America and which belongs to the Ulmaceae family. In well-drained locations the tree can reach a height of 60 feet.

Indigenous North Americans have used Slippery Elm Bark for its unique soothing properties for centuries. They collected the inner bark of the branches in springtime to be used as natural bandages. They also wrapped the bark around food as a method of preservative. Slippery Elm Bark was used as food when food was scarce; a porridge was made out of it for children and the elderly.

Slippery Elm Powder is the finely ground inner Bark of the tree. The Powder can be used topically in a compress or steeped into a drink that is soothing and mucilaginous.

In the 1^st century the Greek physician, Dioscorides recommended using Slippery Elm in the bath to speed the healing of bones. 1500 years later English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the Bark for healing bones and using the leaves topically for wound healing. During the time of the American civil war, 19^th century herbalists used Slippery Elm for Venerial disease and haemorrhoids.

Properties:

The energetics of the Bark is cooling and moistening. It is astringent as well as soothing. It has an affinity for the digestive system and the respiratory system. The action will alleviate coughs; and it is nutritive and demulcent as well as emollient. Works well with inflammation in the gut, painful indigestion, diarrhea, dry cough and acid reflux. It is thought to be beneficial and soothing in colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is also calming and healing for ulcers.

Slippery Elm is a soothing demulcent that targets sensitive or inflamed mucous membranes, particularly on the skin and digestion.

How to use:

When using as a Powder it can be made into a gruel by mixing a small amount with water.  Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Slippery Elm mixture to one cup of warm to cool water, steep for 15 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day.

The Powder can be  be sprinkled or the gruel mixed into porridge or other cereal.

To use as a poultice mix a little Powder with a little water and make into a paste. Apply poultice to area you are working on as well as spread over your dressing. Then cover with a hot water bottle and towel and keep it warm.

Slippery Elm bark blends well with Marshmallow Root Powder in most applications.

Cautions & contraindications:

Take at least an hour before or after any other medications.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.