Slippery elm bark benefits are numerous. The inner white bark holds all medicinal attributes and should be kept on hand. The dark outer bark is also available. However, it is utterly useless. Slippery elm bark helps treat gastritis, leukorrhea, rheumatoid and gouty conditions, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, tonsilitis, stomach problems, lung congestion, hoarseness, hemorrhoids, bleeding, gas, flu, eczema, dysentery, diverticulitis, diarrhea, cystitis, coughs, ovarian cramps, constipation, colitis, bronchitis, and bladder inflammation.
In addition, the plant can also be helpful against Crohn’s disease and as an excellent cleanser employed as a douche for eczema. Slippery elm makes a highly nutritious gruel for the elderly, children with weak stomachs, and those with ulcers recovering from diseases. The gruel is made by slowly adding a small amount of water and mixing until the correct consistency is achieved, which can be sweetened with a bit of honey.
Slippery elm is excellent for those who have difficulty holding and digesting food. The herb can also be used externally for open sores, tumors, hemorrhoids, gangrenous wounds, burns, and painful rheumatic and gouty areas.
NOTE: Slippery elm is a great binder. A tiny amount can be combined with other herbs with a bit of water and then rolled into small pills. Slippery elm lozenges can be made by adding a little maple syrup that can be used to treat coughs and sore throats. The plant can also hold unleavened bread together, boluses, and suppositories. Make sure to dilute it with water if you use it as a douche or enema. Since the herb is mucilaginous, it can clog the apparatus.
How to use Slippery Elm Bark
- Infusion (powder): Slowly pour one pint of boiling water over one ounce of powdered bark, stirring constantly. Simmer for five to fifteen minutes, then take six ounces three to four times daily.
- Decoction (whole bark)—Simmer for five to fifteen minutes and take three ounces three to four times daily.
- Tincture—Take fifteen to thirty drops three to four times daily.
- Fluid Extract—Take ½ to one teaspoon three to four times daily.
- Gruel—Mix one teaspoon of powder with enough cold water to make a thin and very smooth paste; while stirring it steadily, pour one pint of boiling water onto the paste. Flavor with lemon rind and honey, and take ½ to one pint (warm) one to three times daily.
- Syrup—Take one tablespoon as needed.
- Powder—Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) three to four times daily.
Slippery Elm Scientific Facts
1. Scientific Name—Ulmus fulva.
2. Part of the plant used medicinally—Inner (not outer) bark.
3. Properties—Demulcent, emollient, nutritive, astringent.
4. What it affects—Generally affects the whole body.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 180.
- Langmead, L., Dawson, C., Hawkins, C., Banna, N., Loo, S., & Rampton, D. S. (2002). Complementary and alternative medicine use in inflammatory bowel disease: Results of a United Kingdom survey. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(2), 181–187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12006019
- Thompson Coon, J., & Ernst, E. (2003). Herbal medicines for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — a systematic review. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 17(6), 749–757. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12725542
- Langmead, L., Rampton, D. S. (2012). Review article: Complementary and alternative therapies for inflammatory bowel disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 36(4), 341-353. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22762226
- Swisher, K. D. (2010). Ulmus rubra Mucilage Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 130(1), 107–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20347907