Slippery Elm Bark Extract
Species Name: Ulmus rubra
Also Known As: Ulmus fulva, Indian elm, moose elm, red elm, sweet elm, rock elm
The slippery elm is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to North America.
Reaching over fifty feet in height, Ulmus rubra has red-brown to orange colored spreading branches that form an open crown.
The tree leaves are long and green and during the fall they darken in color.
The inner heart wood of the tree is red, reflected in the name itself, as the word rubra means red in Latin.
The slippery elm tree tree bark has a gummy texture with a distinct odor. The important inner bark is harvested in the spring time and the tree itself can live up to 200 years.
What is slippery elm bark extract? This is made from the inner bark of the tree. The bark, after being stripped from the tree, is dried and powdered. It is available in other various forms including tablets and capsules, lozenges, and as a tea.
It can also be in a powdered form to use topically, and in tincture and liquid extract form. The liquid extract is rich in nutrients and is easy to take.
Home Remedies Using Slippery Elm Bark Extract:
Benefits of Slippery Elm Bark Extract:
Historically slippery elm was used for centuries in North America as an herbal remedy to treat sore throats, coughs, diarrhea, and other stomach problems. Topically the historical uses include healing salves for the treatment of wounds, boils, burns and skin inflammation.
Slippery elm contains mucilage and when the bark is mixed with water it becomes a slick gel substance. This then works to coat and soothe the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.
Slippery elm is used to stimulate mucus production in the gastrointestinal tract, which may help protect against ulcers and excess acid. Slippery elm also contains antioxidants and these can help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.
Today slippery elm extract is one of the most common treatments for sore throat and cough. It is also used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It may also be helpful in the treatment of diarrhea, bronchitis, and fevers.
Side Effects of Slippery Elm Bark Extract:
Slippery elm extract is considered safe with no serious side effects.
Because this supplement is known to coat the digestive tract, it may slow or decrease the absorption of other drugs or herbs. For this reason it is recommended that slippery elm extract be taken two hours before or after other supplements or prescription medications.
While scientists believe the inner bark of the slippery elm is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the outer bark of the elm tree may contain substances that can increase the risk of miscarriage. For this reason pregnant women are usually advised to avoid slippery elm extract entirely.
