Preparing for a seasonal Change "Slippery Elm Bark"

Preparing for a seasonal Change

"Slippery Elm Bark"

Slippery Elm Bark  This herb is a Powerhouse of a nutritional supplement and has many common names: American elm, Indian elm, red elm, moose elm, sweet elm, rock elm, and winged elm. Slippery elm is a very safe herb and can be taken by infants, by women during pregnancy, as well as by the elderly. The inner bark is the portion that is used for medicinal purposes. Slippery elm can be taken internally as well as externally and has many soothing and softening properties.

Slippery elm is used widely for sore throats and respiratory problems. It protects, neutralizes, and buffers mucous membranes when taken internally. This helps to soothe scratchy and raw sore throats. Slippery elm has anti-inflammation and anti-irritant properties which relieve dry and irritated passage ways during the cold and flu season. Slippery elm also works as an expectorant. It increases bronchial secretion which loosens up mucous along the throat. This decreases the viscosity of sputum and aids the body in removing phlegm. Slippery elm is recommended for the following lung conditions: asthma, bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, hoarseness, tonsillitis, pleurisy, lung bleeding, and leukorrhea.

Here is a favorite lozenge recipe of Dr. Smith's: Take some locally grown honey and mix it with slippery elm powder till it makes a thick paste. Add 1-5 drops of peppermint oil to taste. Put in a container with a lid and store it in the fridge. Eat by the spoonful 2-4 times daily until sore throat subsides.

Slippery elm bark is also good for the GI tract. It neutralizes acidity, protects, and coats mucous membranes along the GI tract. Slippery elm buffers damaged, inflamed, and irritated wall linings of the stomach and intestinal tract. Slippery elm alleviates ulcers and hyperacidity conditions, naturally.

It has been thought for many years that ulcers are caused by stress. Recently however, it has been discovered that ulcers are not "caused" by stress. Research has shown that the main cause of ulcers is a bacteria called H. pylori. This bacteria is found naturally in everyone's GI tract. The problem occurs when the body's immune system is weakened to the point that it can no longer keep the bacteria in check and the bacteria spreads out of control until it begins to eat away the mucosal lining of the GI tract and eventually produces symptoms.

Stress can be both good and bad for us. When we confront a physical or emotional problem, stress is good because it helps us to meet the challenge before us. But, stress can be bad for our health when the same stressors occur over and over and begin to tax the body's ability to cope and adapt to change. (Like paying bills each month, a difficult boss, spouse, etc.) When under chronic stress you never completely relax; your muscles become tense, energy is drained, and both your body and mind become fatigued. You become more susceptible to ulcers, infection, colds, etc.

Here is an excellent recipe for ulcers and other GI disturbance problems: Take equal parts of slippery elm, marshmallow root (both of these herbs soothe and buffer the stomach and GI tract), comfrey (improves digestion), echinacea (fights off infection), and cayenne capsules (acts as a stimulant and magnifies healing properties of the herbs). Many people use honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to naturally flavor herbal remedies.

Slippery elm bark has a lot of life sustaining nutrients. It contains sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, iodine, copper, zinc, phosphorus, bromine, manganese, and vitamins E, F, K, and P. Slippery elm is especially good for people who are sick and have a hard time keeping food down. Slippery elm can actually sustain life for quite some time. For this reason it is used for patients who have cancer and other wasting diseases. Ginseng can be added to slippery elm to boost the patient's energy level. It is so gentle that slippery elm stays down while most every thing else is vomited as well as providing the nutrition needed to sustain life.

Slippery elm is indicated for the following: indigestion, nausea, cramps, ulcers, colitis, gastritis, GI hyperacidity, digestive problems, kidney problems, diarrhea, constipation, wasting diseases, and cancer. It also aids in the digestion of milk.

Because slippery elm softens, soothes, neutralizes, and removes inflammation from skin, it can be used externally as well. It works great for diaper rash, burns, eczema, hemorrhoids, boils, sores, and wounds. Just mix slippery elm in some water to make a thick paste and apply it directly on the affected area.

General Health Benefits and Nutrients:

Slippery Elm Bark can actually sustain life for a short period of time since it is high in many essential nutrients:Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Iodine, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus, Bromine, Manganese, and Vitamins E, F, K, and P

It is excellent for those who are sick or have cancer or other destructive "wasting" diseases.

Medicinal Uses (internal):

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Cold and Flu
• Digestive Problems
• Indigestion
• Cramps
• Ulcers
• Colitis, gastritis, GI hyperacidity,
• Kidney problems
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Wasting diseases
•  Cancer

It soothes nausea and is not likely to be thrown up

To take internally: Make an easy tea! See my recipe at the end. I adjust the slippery elm amount and spices to taste each time.

Another great herbal recipe is from Dr. Smith who gives the following: Take equal parts of slippery elm, marshmallow root (both of these herbs soothe and buffer the stomach and GI tract), comfrey (improves digestion), Echinacea (fights off infection), and cayenne capsules (acts as a stimulant and magnifies healing properties of the herbs). Many people use honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to naturally flavor herbal remedies.

Medicinal Uses (External):

The soothing and inflammation-reducing properties of the bark make it ideal for:

•  Burns
•  Rash (diaper rash)
• Sores, wounds
• Hemorrhoids and boils

To apply externally: Mix slippery elm in some water to make a thick paste and apply it directly on the affected area.

Heal an Irritated or Acidic, Damaged G.I. Tract:

Take as a hot tea or add to your baked goods, soups, smoothies, or really anything to take for an irritated digestive system. 

The bark has been shown to neutralize acidity and protect mucous membranes along the GI tract by coating the membrane surface. This "buffering" of the membranes helps the irritated area (stomach, intestines, throat) heal themselves while the acidic offending environment is isolated from the membrane. The coating action also soothes ulcers.

Heal a Sore Throat or Respiratory Infection:

The acid buffering and anti-inflammatory action of the bark soothes sore throats and relieves dry and irritated bronchi and lungs. It is an expectorant, meaning that it breaks up mucous stuck in the throat or bronchi (as is the case in bronchitis or a cold/flu) and causes you to cough it up. Conditions appropriate for slippery elm usage:

Asthma

Bronchitis

Sore throats, coughing, hoarseness

Tonsillitis

Pleurisy, lung bleeding, and leucorrhea

Cancer

Ulcers

Slippery Elm Soar Throat Patties

What You will Need:

1/8 cup of Pure Wildflower raw honey

2-3 tablespoons of Slippery Elm Bark Powder

5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Mix honey and essential oil well then add Slippery Elm bark powder slowly until it gets thick and on the dry side. flatten out with hands and cut out with a small biscuit cutter or large juice cap(improvised cutter)  place on a dish and let air dry for a day or two . Sore in refrigerator and use as needed.

Slippery elm Tea:

take 2 teasoons of slippery elm bark Powder or bark itself put in a tea ball or infuser. add 8 ounces of boiling water let steap for 5-7 minutes adding more boiling water if necessary. 

if needed add 1/2 teaspoon of raw wildflower honey. 

Note: Herbal teas are sometimes more effective without any sweetener and ALWAYS NO MILK!!!

Slippery Elm Tea Elm tea helps soothe The Stomach and Intestines. It also helps constipation and is very gentle..