Grown throughout North America, the Slippery Elm tree is also known as Red Elm, Moose Elm and Indian Elm. Native Indians often used its bark for making canoes, baskets and other household products. They also used its leaves for tea and its inner bark for food. Early pioneers would make a nutritious porridge out of slippery elm bark.
Medicinally speaking, slippery elm bark has numerous uses - both internally and externally. Most notably, it is often called upon to soothe a sore throat and ease digestive disorders. A sticky fiber made from its gum and juices has a gentle demulcent effect on the body. This "mucilage" can dissolve mucous, lubricate inflamed membranes and help discharge toxic waste. It's especially effective for treating digestive conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, enteritis and colitis as this film coats the organs and reduces irritation, inflammation and sensitivity to acids
As a topical agent, slippery elm bark also has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties that can penetrate wounds, draw out impurities and accelerate healing. A slippery elm bark poultice can treat abrasions, burns, hemmorhoids and other skin problems.
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