Slippery Elm is a wonderful herb which most herbalists are likely put in their ‘top 10 herbs’. There are other soothing herbs – yes. But Slippery Elm benefits the stomach and intestines when you want something soothing.
Very Mucilaginous – or Soothing
Slippery Elm uses its mucilaginous quality to great effect. Hence the ’slippery’ in the name. If you make a ‘tea’ with it, it does slide down the throat easily. In fact, it’s rather like a very thin porridge.
This mucilaginous quality means that it soothes everything it touches as it is swallowed. So Slippery Elm benefits the stomach, and then the whole intestinal tract. Healing will be assisted in any areas it touches.
It can also be applied externally, to the skin.
Here it soothes as well as supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. When applied to the skin as a paste, Slippery Elm hardens and adheres to the skin in a way which is helpful for promoting healing.
Can Be Taken By Anyone
The second great thing about Slippery Elm is that it is very benign. That is to say that it can be taken by anyone – the young, elderly and sick, because it is extremely safe.
This also means that it can be taken for months if required. It is very safe.
Slippery Elm Powder or Capsules
Slippery Elm has always come as a powder, to be made into drink – we call it a Tea – though it’s not like usual herb teas.
To make Slippery Elm Tea, mix a teaspoon of slippery elm powder to a paste with a little warm water. Add boiling water while stirring quite vigorously. A small whisk – to fit into a mug – is a useful aid. If you wish, a little honey can be added to sweeten the drink. Now simply sip it.
Slippery Elm Capsules are available for those who don’t like the tea, can’t be bothered with it, or just for convenience. It is best to take the capsules with plenty of fluid; even 2-3 capsules absorb a lot of fluid.
It’s safety means that Slippery Elm can be taken often. Take Slippery Elm Tea three times a day if you wish.
Safety: Slippery Elm has no known drug interactions but, to be completely safe, I would recommend that you take it an hour or two away from any drugs you are taking in case they are smothered by the highly mucilaginous quality of Slippery Elm.
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7 responses so far ↓
1 jill currie // May 31, 2009 at 3:55 pm
how can slippery elm be good for crohns patients when it promotes the immune system and crohns is possibly an autoimmune diesease? any comments are welcome, I have considered taking it for its anti inflamatory qualities, but am unsure?
2 malc // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi Jill – Slippery Elm is primarily a soothing agent for inflamed tissues. It does not stimulate the immune system as such – unless you know something I don’t. It enables the body to reduce inflammation thanks to it’s mucilaginous properties – ie it is soothing. Hope this helps.
3 Lesley // May 14, 2010 at 11:50 am
I am going to try Slippery Elm for the first time to coat my food pipe. In a desperate attempt to be free of any more “reflux”. Really hope it works and helps.
Many thanks
4 Mags // Jul 14, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I am curious Lesley if you have had any luck with the slippery elm for your reflux. I have reflux and am on medication for it and would like to try a herbal remedy. Can you let me know if it has worked for you.
Thanks
5 from comcast.net' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Joan Dahlberg // Jul 27, 2010 at 10:50 am
Thank you for the excellent information on slippery elm. It answered my questions. Much appreciated.
6 malc // Jul 27, 2010 at 1:18 pm
It is worth trying Slippery Elm. Suggest you use the ‘tea’.
Another thing is to find someone who can treat you for ‘early Hiatus Herna’ – when the stomach starts to pop up through the diaphragm. An osteoptath might be the person to ask. I used to do a correction for this for patients which did sometimes work well.
7 malc // Jul 27, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Good move – definitely a thing to try. Good luck.
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