Slippery elm was a traditional remedy used by native Americans
It was adopted by new settlers as a nutritional gruel

Slippery elm It is a small tree found in various parts of North America
The inner bark is used medicinall

Slippery elm’s main constituent is mucilage.
This means means that it is viscid, slimy, and has the ability to soothe mucous membranes throughout the body

Slippery elm is probably one of the most valuable remedies available in herbal practice because of its ability to strengthen and heal tissue
This makes it a necessity for your kitchen cupboard to be used to relieve many every day conditions without the use of drugs or over the counter medications

One of its best applications is for the relief of heartburn, indigestion, and the pain of gastric ulcers
It is also an excellent remedy for the treatment of coughs, and bronchitis.
It’s action soothes inflamed membranes in the respiratory tract and helps to expel mucous from the lungs

Slippery elm can be used in cases of cystitis to help relieve pain and burning
It can also be useful to relieve the discomfort of a sore throat by helping to strengthening the mucous membrane in this area

Slippery elm can help relieve constipation as well as diarrhoea.
This makes slippery elm a valuable and safe remedy for treating children and babies as well as adults

As well as healing all areas it comes into contact with it can also be used as a food because of its nutritional properties
When my children were babies I would mix a teaspoon of slippery elm with a little water to make a porridge consistency and use as wholesome breakfast food

Slippery elm can also be used this way for those recovering from illness
Flavour with honey, cinnamon or lemon juice, or eat as it is
If you don’t like the thick consistency, add more warm water so that it becomes less thick and then you can drink it

Externally, slippery elm can be used as a poultice to heal skin inflammations, boils, skin ulcers, abscesses, burns and all inflamed surfaces of the skin

A poultice can be made by mixing the slippery elm bark powder with water to form a paste
This paste can be spread over a clean cotton cloth and applied to the affected area
Renew the poultice every two to three hours

Slippery elm powder is worth keeping on hand as a home remedy because it is safe and effective
It allows you to effectively practice self help