I really like this stuff and even give it to my pets when they have problems with diarrhoea

Slippery Elm - Ulmus Fulva

This incredible herb is a member of the Elm (Ulmus) family. Native to Canada and the US, it can be found growing in the Appalachian Mountains. The inner bark is collected from trees which are at least 10 years old, and is mainly powdered for therapeutic use.

Slippery Elm was traditionally used by Native Americans as a poultice for boils, ulcers and for wounds in general. Internally, it was commonly used for colds or fevers and to soothe an irritated digestive system - one of its main uses today.

The 'Slippery' part of Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal literature this is termed a 'demulcent' or an 'emollient' agent, which means it is a soothing substance.

It not only soothes and heals all that it comes into contact with, but is highly nutritious. Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for the weak and convalescent, from infants to the elderly.

Listed below are some of the most common uses for Slippery Elm.

EXTERNALLY:
* Slippery Elm makes a wonderful poultice, applied locally,
for drawing out toxins, especially those associated with
boils, spots or abscesses and can assist the removal of
splinters.
* Applied to wounds, burns and inflammation of any kind,
Slippery Elm will help to soothe, heal and reduce swelling
and pain.

<Tip> 'A Modern Herbal' by Mrs Grieves, written in the 1930's, gives different preparations and combinations of Slippery Elm for poultices and ointments. Go to
www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/elmsli09.html
to find the online version of Mrs Grieves' text on Slippery Elm and its uses.

Because of the mucilage content of Slippery Elm, it can be just as valuable internally as externally.

INTERNALLY:
* Slippery Elm can be used to help soothe many different types
of digestive complaints, for example:
> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
> Colitis and diverticulitis
> Inflammation of the gut or colic
> Can give instant relief to acid indigestion or 'reflux'
(this is a common use for Slippery Elm)
> Ulcers anywhere in the gut (stomach & intestines)
> Diarrhoea - especially if mixed with a banana and powdered
Marshmallow
* As a nutritive, Slippery Elm is a great food for debilitated
states, and as a baby food
* It can also be useful for urinary infections - cystitis for
example.
* Traditionally, Slippery Elm is also reported to ease chest,
lung and bronchial conditions


DOSAGE
Powder/tea drink - Mix 1 tsp herb with a little water to a paste.
Slowly add half a pint or so of boiling water, stirring or whisking all the time. Drink 2-3 cups daily.

Capsules 325mg - 1-8 capsules 3 times daily.

Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack of a Slippery Elm product being used.


COMBINATIONS
Slippery Elm is often combined with other digestive herbs, such as Aniseed, Peppermint or Cardamon. You may also come across many products formulated for the bowel or kidneys and urinary tract which contain Slippery Elm and other herbs.

Find a product which works for you - either the single herb or a combination of herbs - and continue for a full course of treatment.


CAUTIONS
There are no-known contra-indications for Slippery Elm - it is a very safe herb.


SUMMARY
Slippery Elm is an incredibly soothing herb, with fast acting relief for many digestive and bowel problems. It certainly lives up to its reputation.

If you have or are thinking of making a herbal first aid kit, Slippery Elm is essential. It's safe and nutritious for all the family - a herb you should always have close at hand.


Shelley Day
Editor
Alternative HealthZine
shelley@alternative-healthzine.com

© 2000-2002 Shelley Day, Alternative Healthzine

http://www.alternative-healthzine.com