Slippery Elm | Ulmus rubra
A soothing demulcent, Slippery Elm coats and protects mucous membranes, easing sore throats, coughs, and digestive irritation. It supports ulcers, diarrhea, and overall mucosal healing while providing gentle nutrition.
Benefits & Uses
Digestive Soother: Coats the stomach lining and intestines, easing gastritis, ulcers, colitis, and diarrhea.
Respiratory Relief: Helps calm sore throats, coughs, and irritated bronchial passages.
Mucosal Healing: Supports healing of inflamed mucous membranes throughout the body.
Nutritive: Provides gentle nourishment, often used as a porridge or gruel for convalescents.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces irritation in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
Form & Dosage
Powder: Mixed with water or milk to create a soothing mucilage.
Lozenges: Used to relieve sore throats and coughs.
Tea/Infusion: Inner bark steeped for digestive and mucosal support.
Gruel/Porridge: Nutritive preparation for convalescents and weakened digestion.
Typical dosage: 1–2 teaspoons of powdered inner bark in water, taken up to 3 times daily.
Parts Used
Inner bark.
Precautions
Sustainability: Slippery Elm is endangered from overharvesting and Dutch Elm disease; use cultivated or ethically sourced bark.
Pregnancy & Lactation: Traditionally considered safe, but best used with practitioner guidance.
Medication Interactions: May reduce absorption of certain drugs if taken at the same time; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Allergies: Rare, but those allergic to elm species should avoid.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
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