Slippery Elm Bark

Botanical: Ulmus fulva  (also known as Ulmus rubra)
Family: Ulmaceae (elm)

Other common names: Indian Elm, Red Elm, Winged Elm, Rock Elm, Moose Elm, Sweet Elm, American Elm

Often used as a digestive tonic, Slippery Elm helps to soothe the mucous membranes of the throat and the entire digestive tract.  It's a popular herbal ingredient in natural throat and cough lozenges.  In capsules, this herb makes a wonderful stomach-soother and digestive aid.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Slippery Elm Bark grows widely throughout North America, and the part of this plant used medicinally is the inner bark, which contains mucilage, a long chain of sugars called polysaccharides that make a slippery substance when combined with water.  Nineteenth-century midwives used Slippery Elm to lubricate their hands when performing gynecological exams, and the herb was also consumed the last few weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor.  Slippery Elm is rich in nutrients and is easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort.  It can be made into a gruel.  In times of famine, early American settlers used it as a survival food. George Washington and his troops survived for several days on Slippery Elm gruel during the bitter winter at Valley Forge. Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree: Canoes, baskets and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark.  Slippery Elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea.  As a poultice, it was considered a remedy for many inflammatory skin conditions.  The powdered bark can be fed to people who cannot keep down any food, such as chemotherapy patients or those recuperating from illness.  This herb is also recommended for those who are wasting away, failing to thrive and losing weight.  It is considered so safe that Slippery Elm can be added to baby food as a nutritive, and is also said to be good for babies who cannot digest milk.  The primary chemical constituents of Slippery Elm include mucilage (galactose), starch, tannins, calcium, vanadium and zinc.  The herb works with the body to draw out impurities and toxins, assisting with the healing of all body parts.  Slippery Elm's coating action soothes the irritated tissues of the intestines, colon, urinary tract and stomach and helps to soothe stomach ulcers.  Slippery Elm is also beneficial in alleviating inflammation caused by arthritis and for soothing sore throats. 

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
People with known allergies to elm bark should avoid Slippery Elm Bark. Other medications should be taken at a different time, because the herb's high mucilage content may interfere with their absorption.

Capsule Information:
Our Slippery Elm Bark supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.