Slippery Elm - the funny sounding herb with serious significance.

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Historical Uses and Legend.

Slippery Elm Bark Extracts INCI Name Ulmus Fulva Extract Slippery Elm Bark Powder slippery-elm inner bark extract Elm trees extract Ulmus rubra Muhl Ulmus fulva Muhl Ulmus pumila L photo picture image The historical information presented here is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 All species of elm contain varying amounts of mucilage, which may help to relieve coughs and other symptoms that are associated with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis. Mucilage may also make elm useful for treating gastrointestinal conditions. Mucilage is a substance that swells up and becomes slippery, but does not dissolve when mixed with fluids. It coats the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract with a slick residue. Therefore, it may soothe a sore throat, help to alleviate the pain of colic or stomach ulcers, and relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Additionally, elm may promote the production of gastrointestinal mucus, further protecting the linings of the stomach and intestines. Results from a recent laboratory study suggest that elm contains antioxidants that may reduce intestinal inflammation. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function. No human studies have been conducted to confirm any of these traditional uses of elm.

 Slippery Elm Bark is also known by the names Red Elm, Moose Elm, Indian Elm, and Winged Elm. Slippery Elm grows widely throughout North America. The part of this plant used medicinally is the inner bark, which contains mucilage, a long chain of sugars (polysaccharides) that make a slippery substance when combined with water. Nineteenth century midwives used Slippery Elm to lubricate their hands when performing gynecological exams. This herb was also consumed the last few weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor. Slippery Elm is rich in nutrients and is easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort. It can be made into a gruel. In times of famine, early American settlers used it as a survival food. George Washington and his troops survived for several days on Slippery Elm gruel during the bitter winter at Valley Forge. Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree. Canoes, baskets, and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark. Slippery Elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea. As a poultice, it was considered a remedy for many inflammatory skin conditions. The powdered bark can be fed to people that cannot keep any food down such as chemotherapy patients or those recuperating from illness. This herb is also recommended for those who are wasting away, failing to thrive, and losing weight. It is so safe, Slippery Elm can be added to baby food as a nutritive, and is also good for babies who cannot digest milk. The primary chemical constituents of Slippery Elm include mucilage (galactose), starch, tannins, calcium, vanadium, and zinc. The herb works with the body to draw out impurities and toxins, assisting with the healing of all body parts. Slippery Elm's coating action soothes the irritated tissues of the intestines, colon, urinary tract, and stomach ulcers. Slippery Elm is also beneficial in alleviating inflammation caused by arthritis, and for soothing sore throats. The common name Slippery Elm includes the species Ulmus fulva (traditional Slippery Elm), which is used interchangeably with Ulmus rubra.

 Elm may be used to treat constipation. In the gastrointestinal tract, the mucilage in elm absorbs water. However, because the body cannot digest mucilage, the soft mass that it forms moves through the intestines. Additionally, it may prompt muscles in the intestines to contract. Both effects may help to relieve constipation, but they have not been proved in human studies.

 Topically, elm may be applied to the skin surface to relieve minor injuries such as burns, cold sores, razor burn, scrapes, and sunburn. Typically applied as a poultice -- a soft cloth soaked in a medication and applied to an injured area of skin -- elm has also been made into salves by mixing it with an oily ointment base.

 Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree. Canoes, baskets, and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark. Slippery elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea.As a poultice, it was considered a remedy for many inflammatory skin conditions.

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last edit date:23th,June.2009.