Slippery elm
Slippery elm trees generally grow in North America. The inner bark of the tree is the main component used medicinally. The active ingredient of Slippery Elm is mucilage. Willow Sidhe from Livestrong says “Native Americans first discovered the herb’s health benefits and today, herbalists still prescribe slippery elm for treating a variety of ailments”. (1)
Slippery elm may help with
- Inflammation in the digestive tract
- Excess mucus, because it’s a soothing demulcent and an expectorant
What are the Benefits?
1) May reduce symptoms of IBS
Slippery elm may help to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, which can help those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and other digestive problems.
A pilot study which used Slippery elm along with other ingredients was used to determine the effects of Slippery elm formulations on IBS. In the study 32 participants were split into two groups the first group received a “mixture of dried, powdered bilberry fruit, Slippery elm bark, agrimony aerial parts, and cinnamon quills” and the second group received a mixture “of dried powdered Slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran, and Liquorice root” both groups saw improved IBS symptoms. (2)
2) It may also help to loosen mucilage
Slippery elm may have expectorant properties that help to loosen mucus in the lungs, throat and bronchi, which makes it beneficial for those with a mucous cough.
According to Jacquelyn Cafasso from Healthline “Slippery elm contains mucilage, a sticky mixture of sugars that can’t be broken down by the human digestive tract. The mucilage coats the throat, so it’s no surprise that Slippery elm is found commercially in many brands of throat lozenges”. (3)
Slippery elm works well with
- L-Glutamine for digestive system disorders such as gastritis and diverticulitis.
- Marshmallow for mucous in the lungs, respiratory complaints such as chesty coughs, catarrh and bronchitis
- Peppermint for a soothing effect on the digestive tract
- Aloe Vera Juice or tablets to enhance the digestive anti-inflammatory action.
Some things to consider
According to WebMD, the mucilage in Slippery elm “can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs…To prevent this interaction take Slippery elm at least one hour after medications, you take by mouth”. (4)
Resources
Last accessed online 15/04/2020
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/310838-slippery-elm-weight-loss/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20954962
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/slippery-elm-bark#1
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-978/slippery-elm
