Dr MB’s Slippery Elm Bark

Description

Dr MB’s Slippery Elm Bark

Since the 19th century, slippery elm, also known as red elm, has served as an herbal remedy in North America.

It effectively treats various digestive issues, including constipation.

The key to its effectiveness lies in its mucilage content.

When mixed with water, mucilage forms a slick gel that coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.

This makes it a suitable option for addressing conditions like sore throat, cough, GERD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, diverticulitis, and diarrhea. Interestingly, it has even shown potential in treating breast cancer.

These are just some of the slippery elm benefits. What else can this amazing tree bark do? Let’s take a look.

Slippery Elm Benefits

Slippery elm has mucilage and antioxidants, making it effective for treating wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

It can also alleviate inflammatory bowel conditions, benefiting an IBS diet. Additionally, it protects against ulcers and excess acidity by stimulating nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract, which increases mucus secretion.

1. Helps Improve Digestive Function

Is slippery elm a laxative? Although it works differently than some other laxatives, it seems to improve symptoms of constipation, IBD and IBS, including in both adults and children. The fresh inner bark can be used in place of, or along with, other natural laxatives.

In one study, the effects of two different formulas on digestive function were compared, both of which included slippery elm in addition to other herbs.

Formula one was associated with a small but significant increase in bowel movement frequency, as well as reductions in straining, abdominal pain, bloated stomach and IBS symptoms. Subjects who took formula two experienced a 20 percent increase in bowel movement frequency and significant reductions in straining, abdominal pain, bloating and global IBS symptom severity, as well as improvements in stool consistency. Ultimately, both formulas led to  improvements.

Slippery elm has also been shown in certain studies to treat diarrhea and diverticulitis. Additionally, it may help protect against ulcers and excess acidity in the GI tract because it causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings, and that reaction leads to increased mucus secretion.

Like other high-antioxidant foods, studies suggest it may also help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis, which is why it’s recommended for anyone following an IBS diet.

2. May Aid in Weight Loss (When Combined With a Low-Calorie Diet)

Since slippery elm has the ability to improve digestion, this may aid in weight loss. A study performed at New York Chiropractic College used normal participants from the faculty, staff, students and community members to participate in a 21-day weight loss program. Nutritional supplements containing digestive enzymes that were intended to facilitate digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, increase metabolic rate and mediate inflammatory processes were consumed 30 minutes before each meal.

The regimented supplementation program included daily supplementation with a one green drink, as well as a “cleanse supplementation” containing slippery elm plus other herbs and minerals. The cleansing mixture was taken before each meal during week two of the study. During week three, the cleanse supplementation was replaced with prebiotic and probiotic supplementation.

At the end of the study researchers found that participants experienced clinically meaningful reductions in weight and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It was concluded that “Weight loss and improvements in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels occurred after a low-energy-density dietary intervention plus regimented supplementation program.”

3. Can Help Reduce Oxidative Stress

Because it contains compounds called phenolics, slippery elm may act as a natural free radical scavenger and oxidative stress reducer.

Phenolics are antioxidants that have been shown to elicit cellular responses that counter oxidant stress, which contributes to aging and many chronic diseases. Plant phenolics also seem to help protect against pathogens due to their natural antifungal effects.

4. May Relieve Skin Conditions Such as Psoriasis

In addition to mucilage, research demonstrates that slippery elm contains antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, making it a great remedy for wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis and other external skin conditions triggered by inflammation. Slippery elm has been shown in certain studies help patients with psoriasis, a condition that currently has no cure.

In one study, five case studies were evaluated of patients with psoriasis following a specific dietary regimen. The subjects were asked to follow a dietary protocol that included a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of protein from fish and fowl, fiber supplements, olive oil, and avoidance of red meat, processed foods and refined carbohydrates. They were also asked to consume saffron tea and slippery elm bark water daily.

The five psoriasis cases, ranging from mild to severe at the study onset, improved on all measured outcomes over a six-month period, demonstrating that slippery elm makes a great addition to any psoriasis diet treatment.