Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm inner bark is very rich in mucilage, a complex mixture of polysaccharides that form a
soothing gelatinous fiber when water is added. Slippery elm is also considered a wholesome nutritional
food, similar in texture to oatmeal and can be prepared as porridge. Consumed three times per day,
unsweetened “elm food” may be a good source of nutrients. Because it is gentle and easily digested, it is
well tolerated by people with gastritis and other forms of intestinal problems. The pleasant tasting highly
nutritious porridge was traditionally used as both a food and a medicine by First Nations peoples, and
later by European colonists. The mucilage was traditionally used internally for soothing sore throats and
tonsillitis, coughs, dryness of the lungs and digestive upsets, and externally for healing wounds and other
skin inflammations. Slippery elm tree and root bark were also used as folk remedies for treating many
serious degenerative diseases. The bark is particularly recommended for soothing gastric diseases. The
viscous fiber has several beneficial effects on digestion.
Slippery Elm
- reduces bowel transit time;
- absorbs toxins from the bowel;
- increases fecal bulk and dilutes stool materials thereby reducing stool contact with the intestinal
mucosa; - enhances beneficial bacteria in the gut and provides an excellent substrate for bacterial
fermentation.
Eliminating estrogenic anaerobes from the gut can significantly help the body to regain critical
hormone balances that are required for basic health. The bark has noted anti-inflammatory activity and
because the mucilage resists hydrolysis and digestion by stomachs acids and enzymes, it therefore
maintains it's soothing action throughout the entire digestive system. Slippery elm bark mucilage also
helps to moisten the throat, nasal passages, and lungs. Slippery elm bark was also traditionally used for
treating abscesses, dysentery, urinary conditions and fever. Poultices were traditionally used to support
bone and joint health, reduce swollen glands and stop the spread of infections.
The bark contains a complex mixture of polysaccharides including pentoses, methyl-pentoses and
hexoses that form a soothing gelatinous fiber or mucilage. The bark also contains high concentrations of
anti-oxidants including beta-sitosterol, traces of beta-carotene and flavonoids including
proanthocyanidins.
Porridge of the bark can be taken throughout the day, as required. It is best suited for Vata and Pitta
and types, but Kapha types may also benefit. Sufficient amounts of water (1:10) should be taken at the
same time (especially Vatas) to ensure maximum therapeutic benefits and to prevent impacted bowel. If
these directions are followed, there are no known side effects. As with any type of fiber, it is important
not to take too much all at once and overdo it. Slippery elm bark is also a main ingredient of the American
Indian herbal remedy, “Ojibwa tea.” Any major herbal store, such as MountainRoseHerbs.com, sells
slippery elm bark in larger quantities.
Ojibwa Herb Tea—One Remedy for All Ailments?
Ojibwa Indian herb tea is a 280-year old Native American Indian root and herb tea remedy made in the
1700’s by the Ojibwa Indian medicine society. Ojibwa people used it to survive a small pox genocide
started by the early European settlers.