Health Benefits of Slippery Elm and Slippery Elm Uses

One of the main health benefits of slippery elm, if not the main one, is that it makes a soothing substance for anything it comes in contact woth.

This is owing to the fact that slippery elm bark’s mucilage (gummy substance that oozes from bark when it comes in contact with water) is mainly composed of easy to digest complex carbohydrates which are non-toxic.

The inner bark of slippery elm also contains various nutrients, such as beta-sitosterol, campestrol, tannin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

Slippery Elm Bark

As mentioned earlier, the inner bark of the slippery elm tree holds the main health benefits of slippery elm. Because of this important medicinal value, it needs a special mention.

Slippery elm bark is collected in spring from the larger branches and dried. It is tough and flexible of a fine fibrous texture. It has an odour like fenugreek and is very mucilaginous with an insipid taste.

The mucilage is very similar to that found in linseed and does not dissolve, but only swells in water and is so abundant that 10 grains of the powdered bark will make a thick jelly with an ounce of water.

Slippery elm powder, made from the bark, is sold in two forms, i.e., a coarse powder for use as poultices and a fine powder for making a mucilaginous drink. The disintegrated bark forms, when moistened, a flexible and spongy tissue, which is easily moulded into pessaries, teats, and suppositories.

Slippery Elm Uses and Benefits

Today, the herb is used for the many benefits of slippery elm. It comes n handy as a demulcent, emollient, expectorant, diuretic, and nutritive as listed below: