Description of the beneficial properties of slippery elm for the gastrointestinal tract and other systems of the human body.
The slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a deciduous tree native to North America. The main distribution area is the USA and Canada. Less common in Western Europe. It is used in pharmacy and herbal medicine as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating agent. As a medicinal raw material, only the bark is used, or rather, its mucus.
Interacting with the liquid, the dry part of the plants forms a gel-like suspension that covers the mucous membranes of the organs. It has a viscous structure, mild taste and smell of fenugreek. Due to the high content of biologically active substances, this substance relieves inflammation and relieves pain.
Chemical composition:
- polyuronitides;
- tannins;
- vitamins A, K, E, C;
- catechins;
- calcium;
- terpenoids (sesqui and triterpenoids);
- chlorogenic acid;
- plant flavonoids;
- stigmasterin;
- polysaccharides.
The healing properties of elm have been known since time immemorial. Aboriginal people used it to heal wounds, burns and as a laxative. During the revolution, field surgeons prepared ointments based on it for the treatment of gunshot wounds of soldiers. In times of famine, elm flour was even used as food. In addition, healers recommend this supplement to strengthen the body of the disabled, the elderly and even babies.
In colonial America, slippery elm was a must-have medicine in every home medicine cabinet. Herbalists in the 19th century recommended elm liquid as a panacea for many diseases. Pneumonia, consumption and pleurisy were treated with hot tea. Skin ulcers, abscesses, frostbite, boils, and even leprosy were treated with special poultices. In addition, herbalists believed that a decoction of the bark had a powerful antiparasitic effect, pushing tapeworms out of the digestive tract.
Today, Ulmus rubra extract is available in the form of dietary supplements, dried raw materials, flour and candies. The bark of the tree is also the main ingredient in Essiac tea, a popular drink all over the world for stimulating the immune system.
What does slippery elm treat?
This product is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Indications for use:
- Gastrointestinal diseases: acid reflux, inflammation of the stomach, pancreas or intestines (IBS), pain, constipation, diarrhea;
- Infections of the genitourinary system: cystitis and syphilis;
- Inflammation of the respiratory tract: lungs, bronchi, larynx, trachea;
- Autoimmune pathologies: gout, arthritis;
- Oncology: lung cancer, breast cancer;
- Skin diseases: herpes, wounds, burns, rashes.
Because elm extract is more popular in herbal medicine, there is very little scientific evidence to support clinical efficacy. By the way, this is one of the few herbal ingredients approved as an over-the-counter drug in the United States.
Sore throat and respiratory diseases
For many years, Henry Thayer's slippery elm lozenges have been used to treat the upper respiratory tract. The owner of this company in the 1840s began to use the bark extract for commercial purposes. This is how the powder appeared, then the suspension, and then the lollipops and tea.
Since then, the effectiveness of this tool has been proven by thousands of Americans and Europeans. Thanks to its pleasant taste and convenient format, slippery elm lollipops are recommended for children, speakers, singers and people involved in public work.
Slippery elm extract is also taken in the form of a suspension. It reduces pain, softens attacks of bronchitis, tracheitis, asthma and cough, relieves tickling, hoarseness and stiffness of the ligaments.
Digestive disorders
Inflammation and pain are the first symptoms of most gastrointestinal diseases. Medicines based on elm bark easily cope with their manifestations. Once in the human body, the liquid envelops the walls of internal organs, instantly relieving even acute pain. However, this effect does not last long, and in order to stabilize the patient's condition, it is necessary to use the supplement in a course.
Studies conducted in 2002 showed that the plant has an antioxidant effect on the tissues of the colon affected by ulcerative colitis. In 2010, scientists noted the effectiveness of the drug for 75% of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Effective for weight loss
Slippery elm bark extract is increasingly used for weight loss. In this case, the loss of extra pounds is achieved by normalizing the work of digestion and cleansing the intestines from toxins, stagnation and worms. Regular use of the bark of the plant speeds up the metabolism. Thus, food is quickly digested, without having time to turn into body fat.
An interesting fact! NYC College of Chiropractic Study Confirms AD Effectiveness Yes, in the fight against excess weight. Under the terms of the program, the subjects were required to follow a certain nutrition system for 3 weeks. Their diet consisted of vegetarian dishes with an energy value not exceeding 1800 kcal per day. In addition to food, they drank a special tea containing many beneficial ingredients, such as: slippery elm, stevia, turmeric, alfalfa, Camus tree fruits, ginger, aloe vera and others.
After 21 days, the weight of the participants decreased by an average of 3-5 kg. However, this effect had a long-term effect. Therefore, returning to their usual diet, people stopped gaining extra pounds.
An effective product for the treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin with a red, scaly rash. It occurs as a result of a violation of the immune system and metabolic processes in the body. Since the causes of the disease lie in the internal systems, scientists conducted a study confirming the effectiveness of the oral application of the bark of the plant to combat the disease.
For the experiment, 5 men and 5 women aged 40 to 68 years with a chronic form of psoriasis were selected. According to the terms of the program, the subjects ate according to a special menu, which included only fresh vegetables and fruits, white fish and chicken. The obligatory item was the daily use of slippery elm bark and saffron tea.
At the end of a six-month course, the condition of the skin integuments has significantly improved in the subjects. At the same time, the best results were achieved by supplementing the treatment with external agents, such as salicylic acid and black cumin oil.
Important! BAD has a cumulative property. Its action is aimed at eliminating internal causes. With prolonged use, remission occurs.
Side effects
Unfortunately, scientists do not have enough data confirming the occurrence of adverse reactions as a result of the use of the plant. Some reviews on websites contain information about episodic manifestations of undesirable consequences.
Possible side effects:
- Nausea;
- Allergy (for allergen-reactive pollen);
- Skin irritation;
- Temporary impairment of drug absorption;
- Contraindicated for pregnant women.
Customers often ask if this extract can harm the health of an expectant mother? The answer to this question lies in history. In ancient times, women used the bark of a tree as a vaginal candle to terminate unwanted pregnancies and provoke abortion. This method caused bleeding, often fatal.
Therefore, raw materials of the plant in its pure form were temporarily prohibited from sale in America and England. Needless to say, girls who want to conceive a child should also refrain from using such a supplement.
Slippery Elm Price
Those who wish to purchase this product should keep in mind that its cost often depends on quality, form of release, brand and country of manufacture. At the moment, phytopreparations made in America are especially popular on the market. Their quality is usually higher than the price, and the effectiveness is confirmed by numerous reviews.
In our store, you can easily buy slippery elm bark. We work directly with the manufacturer, so we offer our customers a wide range of vitamins, dietary supplements, superfoods.