Slippery elm powder

Slippery elm powder is produced from the inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree. This tree is found in the forests of the United States and in some areas of Canada. The most abundant amount of Slippery elm’s can be found growing in the Appalachian Mountains. This tree needs both the altitude and soil that is regularly moist but not soaked or sitting in standing water for any length of time.

Slippery elm bark consists of a substance known as mucilage. This includes both campestral and beta-sitosterol in its makeup. This substance has been used for hundreds of years for coughs and sore throats. It has a very powerful ability to soothe all the mucous membranes of the body. The mucilage in the inner bark of the tree has the ability to expand when exposed to liquid as in the throat or breathing passages. This has a very soothing effect on those areas. Slippery Elm has been combined with Wild Cherry bark and made into a tea to cure sore throats and coughs for many years. This combination is still being used today. It is said to be very effective for hacking coughs.

Slippery elm has been used for over 300 years. History shows that it was used by those who came here from England and other European countries in the 1600-1700’s. They would remove the bark and take it back to Europe with them to treat their loved ones. They commonly used Slippery Elm for a balm to treat cuts and bruises. They also used it to treat joint pain and the pain from gouty arthritis. It has an antiseptic effect attributed to it and has been used to treat both cold sores and boils over the years. It can be combined with wild thyme and used for its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. This combination can kill a lot of different types of bacteria.

History has shown us that Slippery elm has shown a lot of benefit for man’s different gastrointestinal issues. The mucilage’s soothing effects help to reduce the effects of indigestion, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, abdominal pain and gastric distress. It has even been used to treat diverticulitis, gastric ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Slippery elm Bark powder can be mixed with comfrey and made into an infusion it can be effectively used to treat peptic or duodenal ulcers. Mix it with angelica to have an effective treatment for flatulence. For those who have problems with diarrhea, Slippery elm Bark powder can be mixed with loosestrife and taken for acute or chronic diarrhea. It can also be mixed with chamomile and drank as a tea for problems with abdominal pain and constipation. Other uses for Slippery elm bark powder include treating upper respiratory illness such as bronchitis, allergies, sinus conditions, and even chronic conditions such as tuberculosis.

Slippery elm bark can be gathered and used at home. The bark should not be taken from a tree that is less than 10 years old. It is recommended to remove a rectangle of bark from the tree and then cover the area that has been removed with an environmentally safe material to protect the tree from disease. Once the bark has been removed, pry off the inner bark and then pulverize it into a powder. Two teaspoons of the powder should be placed in boiling water and steeped for ten minutes before drinking. Honey can be added to the mixture to improve the taste if needed.

It is recommended to consult with a naturopath or physician prior to taking any type of new nutritional or herbal supplement for any type of illness or injury. This is especially true if the person has any type of chronic illness or takes medication on a regular basis.

Last updated on Dec 16th, 2009 and filed under Health Supplements. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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