Slippery elm is a native North American tree growing from Texas right up to Canada. When bark is removed from the tree a gummy lining is exposed, one or two millimetres thick, which is what produces the remarkable range of Slippery Elm benefits.

Every herb who prescribes Slippery Elm uses its tremendously soothing properties – which have created very high demand for the herb. It is taken as a drink – Slippery Elm Tea – where its soothing properties can benefit the throat, stomach, intestine and colon. It helps to prom0te the body’s natural healing abilities.

Normally only a proportion of the tree bark can be removed in one season. The tree then recovers over the next few years.

However, poachers show no such restraint.

Hundred of Trees Stripped

Sadly, crime has spread to Slippery Elm trees.

Every year, hundreds of Slippery Elm trees are stripped of their bark by poachers.

The demand for Slippery Elm has soared as its uses and benefits have become known. This creates a great demands with limited supply. Poachers can make $150 (£100) from a sack of bark – but destroy 10 or more trees in the process.

Cultivation of Slippery Elm Trees

Cultivation is the long term aim. However, it will take many years for a Slippery Elm forest to mature.

This approach has been successful with American Ginseng, for example, where most of the medicinal herb is farmed in Wisconsin, USA. Similarly, Ginseng is grown by companies in Wyoming, USA.

Slippery Elm – Uses and Benefits

Through cultivation, we can continue to experience the huge benefits of this remarkable tree. Its properties for soothing the stomach and intestines are virtually unrivalled in the herb kingdom.

Marshmallow root and Psyllium Husks have soothing properties for the gut, but for most people Slippery Elm benefits are by far the best.