5 Health Benefits Of Using Slippery Elm

Slippery elm, also known as red elm or Indian elm, is a tree known for its dark brown to reddish-brown bark.This bark contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This mucilage has many healing and medicinal properties.

In addition to the mucilage, slippery elm contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, the inner bark also contains various nutrients, such as tannins, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.This tree bark can be easily found at your local health food store in numerous forms, including tea, lozenges, capsules and tablets, poultice and liquid extract.

* Treats Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Being a demulcent, slippery elm helps soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines. This in turn reduces irritation in the stomach, one of the common symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

* Soothes a Sore Throat

Slippery elm contains mucilage that can coat the throat and provide instant relief from a sore throat, whether it is due to a common cold, cough, laryngitis or tonsillitis. The gel soothes the irritated throat and also reduces inflammation and pain.In fact, slippery elm is a common ingredient in throat lozenges.

* Fights Constipation

Due to its high mucilage content, slippery elm is an effective remedy for constipation. When you take slippery elm, it helps stimulate the nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract. This is why it is so useful for constipation. Due to its demulcent properties, slippery elm is also good for healing hemorrhoids.

* Combats Heartburn and GERD

Heartburn, characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and chest, can also be reduced with slippery elm.The mucilage of slippery elm coats the esophagus and reduces the irritation and inflammation that occurs when stomach acid flows up the esophagus.

* Relieves Asthma

Slippery elm is believed to be an antitussive, meaning it aids in treating upper respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis.Its anti-inflammatory nature helps thin the mucus that clogs the airways. It can help prevent the bronchial spasms associated with asthma attacks.It also provides relief from coughing and tightening of the chest.