Slippery Elm was traditionally used by Native Americans as a poultice for boils, ulcers and for wounds in general. Internally, it was commonly used for colds or fevers and to soothe an irritated digestive system, which is one of its main uses today.

The 'slippery' part of Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal literature this is termed a 'demulcent' or an 'emollient' agent, which means it is a soothing substance.

The main use for Slippery Elm today is to soothe the bowel in condition of inflammation - especially colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also similarly helpful in other inflammatory bowel conditions such as diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

Slippery Elm is such a specific remedy for helping these conditions that it is almost a crime that doctors and hospital don't make more use of it. It will often soothe the pain of patients suffering these ailments within a couple of hours. This is not a case of the slippery elm hiding the pain; by soothing the inflamed area, the pain - a signal from the body that something is wrong and it simply goes away because there is no need for it.

Now, of course, the cause of the condition must still be dealt with, may be it's a congested colon; maybe it's a constitution which is easily stressed; but the Slippery Elm is a great herbal 'tool' to help deal with the symptoms, while the cause is being sorted out. natural health practitioners might be needed to help sort out the causes.

Simply using Slippery Elm - For inflammatory bowel conditions the Slippery Elm is made into a thin type of 'porridge' type of drink. It is sometimes called 'gruel' - which sounds pretty awful; and sometimes called 'tea' - which sounds as if it is thin; but it is not - it's quite glutinous. But this is the benefit of - its glutinous nature helps it adhere to the inside stomach / intestinal walls, and does its job of nourishing and soothing.

It is a very safe herb, so the risk of using it is almost zero. However, you must treat the cause of the problem, as indicated above, or the symptoms will just keep recurring.

You can take in capsules although it is much better to take it in the drink form if you can. Just avoid any preparations with any additives - such as sugar. It simply requires no additives at all.

In summary is an incredibly soothing herb, with fast acting relief for many digestive and bowel problems. It certainly lives up to its reputation. If you have or are thinking of making a herbal first aid kit, is essential. It's safe and nutritious for the whole the family ? definitely a herb you should always have close at hand.

Ref:Wanda J Bruce