Slippery elm: Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

The elm tree family, which includes the slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), is indigenous to North America. Due to its alleged advantages, which include the capacity to repair wounds, calm sore throats, and lessen the symptoms of digestive disorders, it has been utilised for generations in traditional medicine. Scientific proof is lacking, though.

Only the inner bark of slippery elm is utilised for medicinal purposes. This is a result of compounds in the inner bark that boost the body's production of mucus.

Plant description of Slippery elm:

A native of North America, the slippery elm is a medium-sized tree. It has spreading branches that form an open crown at the top and can grow to heights of well over 50 feet. The stalkless blooms are clustered in tight clusters and the red, brown, or orange branches grow downward. Long and green, the plant's leaves turn a darker shade in the fall. Deep cracks, a sticky texture, and a faint yet unique smell characterise the bark.

Properties of Slippery elm:

Mucilage, a component of slippery elm, transforms into a slick gel when combined with water. It coats and calms the stomach, intestines, throat, and mouth. Antioxidants included in it also aid in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The nerve endings in the digestive tract are stimulated by slippery elm, which produces reflux and increases mucus secretion. The gastrointestinal system may be shielded from ulcers and too much acidity by the increased mucus production.

Health benefits of Slippery elm:

Long before antibiotics were developed, slippery elm's benefits were recognised. This material, which resembled glue, was used to cure a variety of acute and recurring illnesses, including digestive problems.

The ingredient's active molecules also treat insect bites and heal the skin, throat, gut, and intestinal walls. Its bark has a slick texture that is similar to glue. The majority of the advantages of slippery elm can be attributed to its abundant supply of polyphenols and carbohydrates.

Throat Pain

A painful throat is said to be relieved by slippery elm, a natural demulcent, by coating the lining of the throat and oesophagus and adding a layer of defence from irritation.

Chronic Bowel Disease

It can help with a lot of the signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.

In the intestines, slippery elm is thought to create a transient barrier of protection.

Skin Disorders

When used topically, the mucilage of slippery elm has been used to heal dry skin or sores.

The mucilage in slippery elm is supposed to swell and form a gooey substance when applied to the skin, which is thought to calm dry or inflammatory skin. The treatment of small skin wounds may also benefit from this reaction.

Heartburn and GERD

Acid reflux, commonly known as occasional heartburn, may be helped by slippery elm. As a natural treatment for gastric reflux disease, it is also widely used (GERD).

When stomach acid runs back into the oesophagus and irritates the lining, GERD develops.

The slippery elm's mucilage coats the oesophagus and may lessen the esophageal irritation and inflammation brought on by stomach acid reflux.