Plant Medicine Summary: Slippery Elm

Slipper Elm is also one of our "TOP TEN". We LOVE this herb and how much it helps us.

Brief History
The first known people to use Slippery Elm medicinally were the Native Americans. They ground the bark and mixed it with water to make a paste for a salve for soothing wounds. Once dried it becomes a natural bandage. They also used it to wrap around their meat to keep it from going bad. The English colonists used it for injuries, cold sores, boils and chafing. During the American Revolution I was used to treat gunshot wounds. It was also used to make a gruel, rich in vitamins, minerals and sugars. Even the very sick could tolerate it.
Read full article at: http://www.slipperyelm.com/history.html

Considered one of the best herbs for reducing pain and inflammation. University of Maryland Medical Center says, "Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity."  Slippery Elm is amazing herb.  When having digestive problems, it balances the tract.  So if you are having Diarrhea - it helps curb that. If you are constipated, it has the properties to take care of that problem as well.  Even though in our western medicine mentality that is hard to get your  head around, it helps your digestive tract work like it is supposed to.

How Do I Use It?
WE LOVE slippery elm. If you are having intestinal issues – this herb is the best! Whether you have diarrhea or constipation it settles things down because of the miraculous way it helps the gut to work better. It also promotes healing of bones and muscles. It helps with arthritis, bruises, sprains, eczema, skin irritations, sunburns, cuts, wounds, bladder infections and sore throats too.

Our favorite way of using it is making a tea or syrup. Use 1 teas of dried herb to 1 cup water for a tea.  To make a syrup you simply boil 4 cups of water, then turn to low. Put 1/2 cup dried herb in pan and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Strain and add sweetener. 

When treating an injury you can use a compress. Make a compress by making a cup of tea and soaking a clean cotton cloth in the liquid. Squeeze out and place on injury.

Our Experience With It

• We love slippery elm. It has saved us many times. It is our "go to" for diarrhea. It helps almost instantly. If someone is really sick, we will give it to that person a few times. It won’t hurt you, it is so nourishing for your digestive system.
• (Paula) "Our son is a performer and sometimes nerves can be a problem which means he has diarrhea sometimes. He makes a tea with a tsp of slippery elm before every performance and that problem has been taken care of. He loves slippery elm and is a vocal supporter of how much it helps him."
• We have used it on skin irritations as well. It is soothing to skin that is scraped, burned, rashy, etc.
• It works on diaper rash and chafing. Make a paste with it and water. Apply to affected area. 
• (Andrea) "I have a friend who uses it because she struggles with constipation – doesn’t make sense as it helps with diarrhea too – but it soothes the intestinal tract which helps with both issues."
• We have used it as a sore throat tea.

Properties of Slippery Elm
       Astringent - Tightening, healing and drying, reducing irritation and inflammation.
       Purgative – Purifier and cleaner – helps cleanse the body.
       Diuretic - Stimulate the elimination of fluid, without the depletion of minerals.
       Emollient - Soothe and protect irritated or inflamed issues.
       Exportant - Loosens congestion.
This list is from http://www.anniesremedy.com/

NMM Products With Slippery Elm
​
Flaming Throat - Herbal combination that helps to soothe the throat and aids in healing. 
Intestinal Soother - Powerful Digestive Tonic!
Kidney Soldier - Amazing deep nutrition using plant medicine to aid in getting rid of kidney stones.