Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herbal preparation made from the slippery inner bark of a type of elm tree.
Slippery elm has long been used in North America for medicinal purposes. Native Americans used preparations made from the bark as a topical antiseptic treatment for wounds, burns and skin irritations, and they ingested it as a treatment for coughs and respiratory problems.
Slippery elm is available in powder, capsule and tincture form.
How Is Slippery Elm Thought to Help IBS?
When taken, slippery elm is easy on the digestive system. Slippery Elm is said to be good for both diarrhoea and constipation, as it softens and adds smooth bulk to the stool. Slippery elm also calms irritation as it gently coats the lining of the intestinal system.
Slippery Elm is frequently used by patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In response to this popular use, a study was done to assess the antioxidant qualities of slippery elm and other herbal preparations, as antioxidants are thought to play a role in reducing inflammation. In the lab, slippery elm did display the antioxidant qualities that the study was assessing, resulting in the conclusion that slippery elm appears promising and should be further evaluated as a potential remedy for IBD.
How Do I Take Slippery Elm?
For digestive relief, slippery elm can be taken in either tincture, capsule or powder form. For adults, the recommended dosage is:
Tincture: 20 drops in water up three times a day
Capsule: 250 to 500 mg, three times a day
Powder: For digestive upsets, a hot or cold infusion is recommended, using 7g (1/4oz) of Slippery Elm powder to 20 fl oz (1 pint) of boiling water.
To make a soothing drink for an upset stomach or internal irritation, mix a teaspoonful of Slippery Elm powder to a paste with cold water, gradually stirring in a cupful of boiling water or milk. The taste is bland so you could add cinnamon which is warming, and sweeten it with a little honey.
Slippery Elm Poultice
A poultice can easily be made by mixing Slippery Elm powder to paste with hot water. Spread this on a clean piece of gauze, and bandage it onto the affected area. This should be renewed every few hours. A Slippery Elm poultice is a particularly good first aid remedy for drawing out splinters it thorns which are deeply embedded.
Contraindication: Slippery elm is generally considered to be a safe remedy for digestive distress for adults and children. Slippery elm may interfere with the way that other medications or herbal remedies are absorbed by your body. To avoid this, take slippery elm several hours before or after taking other medications.
