Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark powder is an herbal remedy that originated in the Appalachian mountains in the United States. It is commonly used for digestive problems, sore throats and respiratory problems. It makes a wonderful natural cough medicine. Unlike many other herbal remedies, slippery elm bark has no side effects and can be used by people of all ages, including children.

Slippery Elm Bark Origins

Slippery elm herbal products come from wild slippery elm trees, which are native to North America. The bark from these trees was dried and used by Native Americans and then later by the first colonists. In addition to using it for large projects like canoe and home buildings, the elm bark was used to make pudding, to thicken jelly and as a survival food during the Revolutionary War. Medicinally, it was used to treat everything from toothaches to stomach aches by the Native Americans and then later by the first settlers.

The outer bark of the slippery elm tree is very rough, but the inner bark is softer and has all the medicinal powers. The inner bark is stripped from the tree along with the outer bark, and then the inner bark is removed from the outer bark. It is harvested in the spring or fall with extreme care so that the tree does not die.

Today, slippery elm trees are less prevalent because many in their natural environment were victims of Dutch elm disease. Fortunately, since it is such a helpful herbal product, steps have been taken to preserve the trees from extinction by planting a lot of them to farm for their bark.

Slippery Elm Bark Powder Uses

Slippery elm bark is used for a variety of different ailments. Some are based on the old remedies and others are a result of the new treatments. The bark is normally dried, ground into powder and used as a tea. Alternately, the bark may be dried and cut into thin strips. It has a very mild taste and is easy to drink as a tea. It does not make a good tincture, so most remedies are made from the tea.

Slippery elm is used to soothe tissues. The tea can be used to help with stomach problems, sore throats and congestion. It can also be used to treat external conditions like hemorrhoids, vaginitis and skin irritations. It can be taken during colds to help relieve coughing and it can also be used to calm down ulcers. It is safe for pregnant women and infants.

Slippery elm bark is effective in treating tissue inflammation for several reasons. It contains mucilage, which heals and repairs most tissues in the body which accounts for the tea's various usage. It has as much nutrition as oatmeal when eating in its raw form, which makes it a good survival food. In addition to mucilage, it also contains a lot of tannins which can shrink tissue inflammation.

Slippery Elm Dosages

As a tea, you can put two to three tablespoons of Slippery Elm bark powder into 16 ounces of cold water. Let the bark powder sit for six to eight hours and then heat the water slowly. Be sure not to boil the water and stir the tea frequently while it is healing. Strain the tea and drink. The tea can be taken two to three times a day until relief of the symptoms is felt. This treatment is best for stomach problems.

In addition to making tea, slippery elm powder can be mixed into juice, applesauce or oatmeal. For internal problems, the powder can also be turned into a suppository or enema.

Slippery elm powder has a variety of different uses and is one of the most versatile and helpful herbal remedies.

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