This month’s herb of the month is slippery elm bark! We have the dried bark in our bulk herbs department, cut and sifted as well as powdered.
Botanical Description
This herb comes from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, Ulmus rubra, which is collected in the spring. This large, deciduous tree is native to eastern and central North America from Texas to Manitoba and Florida to Quebec. It grows up to 60 feet tall in well-drained soils.
Historical & Traditional Use
Slippery elm has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries, who would soak the bark and use it as natural bandages and wrap the bark around food to preserve it. Slippery elm also served as a source of nutrition during famine and for making porridge for children and the elderly.
Native Americans discovered that when the slimy, red inner bark of slippery elm was combined with water, it formed a slippery, gelatinous material. This mucilage, a sticky mixture of sugars that can’t be broken down by the human digestive tract, coats and soothes the lining of tissues in the throat, stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. As a result, slippery elm bark is a common ingredient in many throat lozenges and cough syrups.
Because of slippery elm bark’s demulcent properties, it is sometimes recommended for treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease; upper respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, and sore throats; inflammatory urinary tract conditions (it is also a mild diuretic, which helps the body increase the flow of urine and eliminate waste from the body); and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. The mucilage can reduce inflammation and provide relief from the discomfort of ulcers and excess stomach acidity by creating a protective barrier against stomach acids and other irritants.
When used topically, the mucilage provides a protective layer over wounds, burns, and areas of skin inflammation, promoting healing and providing relief from discomfort and pain.
How to Use Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm bark smells similar to fenugreek, and has a mild, slightly sweet, earthy, subtly nutty flavor that compliments both savory and sweet culinary creations. The dried bark or powder can be added to teas, infusions, throat lozenges, or skin care products such as ointments and poultices. It is commonly blended with other herbs in teas or other flavors like orange or cinnamon in lozenges to make it more palatable. The powder can be added to cereal, oatmeal or porridge, applesauce, smoothies, or as a thickener in sauces and soups.
To make a tea:
Pour 8 oz of boiling temperature water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark powder. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes.