A tree native to North America, the slippery elm bark and root offer fascinating healing properties, which have been used in natural cures and home remedies for centuries. Pure slippery elm lozenges, teas or bark can be found in health food stores and whole food markets, and should be kept on hand in order to assure convenience when needed. Considered to be a good dietary supplement, as well as a medicinal herb, slippery elm bark does wonders in helping restore the body to good health.
Scientific Name
Ulmus fulva or Ulmus rubra
Also known as:
- Moose elm
- Red elm
- Indian elm
- American elm
- Winged elm
- Sweet elm
- Rock elm
Description
A large tree, which can grow up to 60 feet high, it is the inner bark of the slippery elm tree that is used in natural cures and home remedies.
Typical Preparations
Slippery elm can be used in a variety of different ways including:
- As a poultice
- As a tea
- As a tincture
- As a lozenge
- As a vaginal suppository
Slippery elm lozenges are often sold in retail stores for soothing sore throat pain. Slippery elm bark can be found in some health food stores in extract form or in capsules, although it is most recommended in its natural state for use in natural cures and home remedies in order to assure that its potency is not lost during processing.
Common Uses
Slippery elm bark is known to be quite soothing to the stomach when consumed as a tea. For instance, even when a stomach plagued with cancer or ulcers cannot bear much else, slippery tea is well tolerated and offers a soothing effect.
Native American tribes commonly used slippery elm bark to bandage wounds and to safeguard food against spoiling. Rich in nutrients, the inner portion of the slippery elm bark can be used as a porridge during times of famine.
It is also commonly included in natural cures and home remedies to treat the following conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Throat irritations
- Diarrhea
- Stomach aches
- Cuts, scratches and scrapes
- Minor burns
- Itchy, irritated or inflamed skin
- Psoriasis
- Bladder issues
- Kidney problems
- Bowel issues
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Uterine cancer
- Tumors and growths affecting the female organs
Precautions
When using slippery elm bark for natural cures and home remedies, it is important to be sure that it is being purchased from a reputable brand source, which states that the product is one hundred percent slippery elm bark. Doing so assures that the full effect of slippery elm is being had, as opposed to watered down versions, which are sometimes deceptively sold to the public and have very little potency.
In various forms, slippery elm bark is very effective in strengthening the gastrointestinal system, as well as the respiratory system. Because it is so valuable in helping with the elimination of mucus and with soothing irritated mucus membranes, it is no wonder that slippery elm lozenges are often the first folk remedy that people in the know reach for when faced with a cold or sore throat. Taken orally or applied to skin externally, slippery elm bark has been trusted for centuries for its safe and effective healing properties.
