Thursday, February 23, 2012

Therapy Thursday: Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery Elm is a species of elm that is native to North America.  Traditionally, the bark has been used as a demulcent, which means it can soothe the mucous membranes.  Uses include dried powder taken in capsule form, tea or as a food thickener.  Native Americans used it as a staple food because of its easily-digested carbohydrates.

Internally, Slippery Elm bark soothes digestive discomforts like ulcers and indigestion, but it's also used as a remedy for sore throat and respiratory issues.  Externally, the powder can be added to natural creams to soothe skin challenges including rashes, hemorrhoids and yeast infections.  It can also help soften the skin.

A friend of mine recently told me that she used Slippery Elm bark when she had an ulcer.  She would add water to it and make a thick pudding that coated her stomach and eventually healed the ulcer.  There are also studies that show it helps people with irritable bowel syndrome.  Mixed with other digestives, this can be a powerful aid in relieving discomfort from these conditions.

If you have any digestion challenges or disorders, eating a clean, mostly-raw, plant-based diet remains your best bet.  However, adding this powerful herb can really help with the healing process.  As always, Mother Nature provides us with many natural solutions to our ailments.  Be healthy!

Mystic Merman

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