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.
# Inflammatory Bowel Diseases- Add 1 tablespoon of slippery elm powder to a glass of hot water.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Drink it at least 1 hour after taking other medications.
- Drink this solution 2 or 3 times a day, as needed.
# Sore Throat- Add 2 teaspoons of the inner bark of slippery elm to 2 cups of boiling water.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain it.
- Drink this tea twice daily for a few days.
# Constipation- Mix 1 teaspoon of slippery elm bark powder in 2 cups of boiling water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and a little bit of cinnamon powder.
- Drink 1 to 2 cups of this gruel twice a day, as needed.
# Weight Loss- Add 2 tablespoons of slippery elm bark powder to 2 cups of hot water.
- Allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
- Drink this tea 2 or 3 times a day.
# Stomach Ulcer- Grind the inner bark of slippery elm into a powder.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of this powder in 1 cup of warm water.
- Drink this mixture 3 or 4 times a day for 1 week.