Parcel from the UK warehouse Slippery Elm is a tree native to North America which can live up to 200 years. Its bark is widely used for digestive disorders.
The bark is a source of starch and mucilage, which shows a soothing and protective effect on mucosa, especially in the digestive system. This raw material is used in traditional medicine for inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and duodenum, heartburn, diarrhoea, small wounds and burns and sore throat. In addition, slippery elm is applied for urinary aliments – it exerts antibacterial properties, preventing infections, and reduces symptoms of bacterial infections, such as burning or pain.
Bioactive components of mucilage include hexoses, pentoses, methylpentoses and polyuronides. The plant has been also shown to contain, among others, tannins, phytosterols, calcium oxalate, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids and salicylic acid.
Supplements with the inner bark of slippery elm are recommended for, among others, digestive disorders (heartburn, irritation of the throat and oesophagus, digestive discomfort, diarrhoea and intestinal motility disorders) and urinary infections.