Slippery When Wet!
Feb 22, 2023Experience
My first experience with slippery elm bark made my nose wrinkle. The name says it all - it is slippery. Sitting in my first herb class I was offered a sample of powdered slippery elm bark that had just been mixed with water. I was prompted to drink it quickly. Instead of a liquid, however, the herb soaked up all the water and became thick and gelatinous. Adding more water didn't seem to help dilute it. Even though it smelled faintly sweet nothing about the off-white substance looked appealing.
History
Slippery elm bark has been widely used by Native Americans for its nourishing properties. Even George Washington and his troops purportedly survived on slippery elm bark made into a gruel, for nearly two weeks in the middle of winter when supplies were scarce. But the reason this herb most intrigued me was for its reported ability to sooth and cool the burn of gastritis, something my husband often suffered from.
Slippery Elm
Since I first introduced this herb to my husband he has turned to it again, and again, anytime he feels a bout of gastritis or acid reflux coming on. He doesn't even seem to mind the texture. Nothing else has given him immediate, soothing relief like slippery elm. Its mucilaginous consistency coats the entire digestive system from throat to lower bowel. Its anti-inflammatory properties contributes to its amazing ability to sooth inflamed tissues both internally and externally. Its also rich in antioxidants and feeds gut bacteria, thus making it a prebiotic.
How to Use
All of these properties make it a great herb for IBS and Crohn's disease. Really any digestive tract issues. Slippery elm is safe even for children. However, it may bind with other medications thus impeding their effectiveness, therefore slippery elm should not be taken within two hours of ingesting any drug. You really can't go wrong taking slippery elm. Mix 1-3 tablespoons in about 6 ounces or less of water. Mix and drink quickly because, as I mentioned before, it sets up quickly. For those who would love to take advantage of this herb but are put off by its gelatinous texture, slippery elm can be mixed with a little applesauce or something similar to get it down, comfortably.
Kristi Taylor is a Master Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist and Natural healing Guide®. She endeavors to share her knowledge and passion of natural healing with whomever will listen – because nature’s wisdom never ceases to delight and amaze!
References
Mabbett, Lorraine, Ed. President's Day Reflection on the Starvation of George Washington & His Troops. San Fernando Valley News Portal, dated 22 Feb 2022.
Watts, Christopher & Rousseau, Bernard. (2012) Slippery elm, its biochemistry, and use as a complementary and alternative treatment for laryngeal irritation. Journal of Investigational Biochemistry, 1(1):17-23. DOI:10.5455/jib.20120417052415
"Slippery Elm ." Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Retrieved February 14, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/slippery-elm
