What are the Uses of Slippery Elm?

Overview

Slippery elm is a medium-sized deciduous tree and it is known for its dark brown to reddish brown bark which is used as a medicine. Its Botanical name is Ulmus rubra and belongs to family Urticaceae

Other Names

Other names are Moose Elm, Winged Elm, Sweet Elm, Red Elm, Indian Elm, Gray Elm, and Ulmus Fulva.

The trunk is reddish brown in color with grayish white bark on the branches.

Habitat

It is native to Eastern Canada, eastern and central US, found commonly in the Appalachian mountain.

Plant Type

Tree

Part Used

Whole Plant

What are the Medicinal Uses of Slippery Elm?

It is used to treat conditions like colitis, cystitis
Used in the treatment of cough
Useful in the treatment of Sore throat
Helpful in Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Very effective in Toothaches
Effective in Gout, burns, and wounds
Useful in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, acid reflux and diarrhea
Helpful in treating rheumatism and abscesses

What are the Therapeutic uses of Slippery Elm?

1. Acid Reflux

In acid reflux it is taken in tea, this herb may coat the lining of the esophagus, lessening heartburn pain and discomfort, increases the appetite and patient starts getting relief in a shorter period of time.

2. Irritable Bowel Disease

This herb is helpful in Irritable bowel disease and Ulcerative Colitis that forms a temporary protective barrier. This herb acts as an inflammatory that reduces the inflammation and also provides relief in other symptoms like pain in the abdomen, bloody stool, mucus, general weakness, fatigue etc.

3. Cystitis

It refers to an inflammation in the bladder, this herb is useful in reducing the inflammation, and also acts as an antibacterial that side by side kills the bacteria and stops the growth of bacteria. This also provides relief in other symptoms like frequent urination, bladder spasm, cloudy urine or blood in urine, sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

4. Cough

In cough, it acts as an expectorant and anti-tussive that decreases the cough reflux and clears the pathways of lungs by slowing down the secretion of mucus and provides relief in other symptoms like chest congestion, pain in chest dryness in the throat.

5. Gout

In gout, there is an increase in uric acid level. By the use of this herb, there is a lowering of uric acid levels in the body and reduces the risk of gout. It also acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory that reduces the pain, redness, and inflammation in joints especially the big toe.

6. Rheumatism

In rheumatism, joints, tendons, bones, and ligaments are mostly affected. By the use of this herb, there is a decrease in redness, inflammation, and pain in joints. It also works as an immunosuppressive that helps in reducing the immune response and provides relief to the patient.

7. Toothaches

It is very helpful in dental conditions like Toothaches, by acting as an anti-inflammatory. This also acts as an anti-bacterial that kills the bacteria that prevents the tooth from decaying and decreases the chances of tooth abscessing.

8. Burns and Wounds

In burns, this herb acts as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory that reduces the possibility of sepsis, putrefaction, and infection.

In wounds, it heals the non-healing wounds in a shorter period of time and helps in reducing the pain as well as inflammation.

9. Diarrhea and Dysentery

In diarrhea and dysentery, it decreases the frequency and number of bowels and works in the body by slowing down the movements of intestines. It also acts as a pain reliever that provides relief in other symptoms like pain in rectum and abdomen.