Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
Personality: There are many mucilaginous herbs, but Slippery Elm is the queen of mucilage. When the powdered bark is mixed with water it is indeed slippery, and bulks out into a sort of slimy porridge. This may not sound too appetising but Slippery Elm works wonders on the guts. The inner bark of other Elms has a similar action.
Sources: Slippery Elm bark is a popular remedy and is available from apothecaries and health food shops. You will sometimes find it in tablet or capsule form but most herbalists use the powdered bark, mixed with water.
Anecdotes:
I had a patient with a particularly ‘difficult’ gut who went through great anxieties over her bowel motions (which were infrequent). He consumed every kind of bulk laxative, but could not rely upon any sort of regular bowel movement. He travelled quite a way one day just to pick up a little Slippery Elm which I had left. I believe that the Slippery Elm did the trick, when all else had failed (or perhaps it was just the cumulative action that eventually worked!).
Uses:
Works for diarrhoea as well as constipation, also gastro-enteritis. Has a soothing action on the chest, helping coughs, bronchitis etc’. It can be taken in larger quantities as an easily digested food, during convalescence. Can be applied externally as a soothing and/or drawing poultice.
Actions:
Demulcent, nutritive, laxative.
Dosage & Preparations:
1-2 teaspoons of powdered inner bark mixed with hot water, allow to cool slightly then drink/eat. This may be taken 3-4 times per day. Capsules are easier to swallow but not so immediately soothing.