Slippery Elm - the funny sounding herb with serious significance.

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Modern Research:Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) soothing herbal bark.

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 native Ojibway tribe of Eastern North America prepared a blend of herbs which was shared with a French nurse called Rene Caisse. This still very popular herbal tea, now called Essiac (Caisse spelled backwards) is believed by many to be a treatment for cancer. One of the main ingredients of this blend is the soft, white inner bark of the native American Slippery Elm tree.

 Whether or not essiac tea is an effective cancer treatment, one thing is certain. Slippery elm bark by itself, is a very useful herb.

 When mixed with liquid, Slippery Elm bark becomes mucilaginous, or gel-like. This soothing characteristic makes it an effective, gentle treatment for constipation in babies. Mix 1 teaspoon of powder and a pinch of cinnamon in one cup of warm apple juice. Provide as much as the baby will drink.
 The dry powdered bark can be sprinkled on babies skin to soothe diaper rash. The powder can also be applied to chicken pox to soothe itching and dry oozing sores.

 If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself wounded, and lost in the woods, don't despair. Cut some strips of the white inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree and soak them in water. Apply the wet bark to your cleaned wounds and it will dry into a natural bandage. Just make sure you get lost in the eastern part of the United States, as Slippery Elm is not native to the western part of the country.

 One old fashion slippery elm product that is still popular throughout the country is the soothing Slippery elm lozenge. These soothing 'cough drops' can be purchased at herb and health food stores, but why waste your money? Restless children stuck in the house on a cold wintery day would have a blast mixing and rolling their own herbal throat soothers.

 In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons Slippery Elm powder, one tablespoon Ginger root powder, and one teaspoon of Licorice root powder. Blend in enough Maple syrup or Honey to form a dough. (Keep in mind that it is not safe for children under 18 months of age to eat honey.) Roll into a long 'rope' and slice into 1/4-inch pieces. Place on a wax-papered cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees until dry, about 20 minutes. Store in covered containers, and use as needed.

 Even the FDA admits that Slippery Elm bark is a safe and effective throat and respiratory soother. However, the high mucilage content of Slippery Elm may interfere with some prescribed medications. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

 It was once thought that the deciduous Slippery Elm trees were resistant to Dutch Elm Disease which has devastated the population of its close relative, the American Elm. We now know otherwise.

 Because of the destruction of Dutch Elm Disease The United Plant Savers Association has listed Slippery Elm as an endangered species. Therefore, when harvesting surviving trees, it is best to use bark from large branches. Cutting too much of the main trunk may kill this stately tree which has given of itself so generously.

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citations1.Slippery Elm - the funny sounding herb with serious significance.

last edit date:23th,June.2009.