Slippery Elm Bark is one of the ingredients in our Premium Detox 7 Day Comprehensive Cleansing Program.  The Slippery Elm also known as the red elm, sweet elm, Indian elm and moose elm is found primarily in the Appalachian mountains of eastern North America.  A deciduous tree, the Slippery Elm can grow to heights of up to 50 feet and blooms in early spring.

The outer bark is rough and a dark brown color but it is the inner bark which is white that possesses most of the medicinal value of the tree.  The sticky substance that is secreted by the bark when it comes in contact with water is called the mucilage.  This is where the majority of the nutrients, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are found.  The mucilage of the Slippery Elm Bark contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, iron, tannin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

The bark of the Slippery Elm is collected in the spring and then dried.  The dried bark is then ground into a powder which is then sold in two forms.  The coarse powder is used for poultices and the fine powder is mixed with water to make a drink or tea.

The Slippery Elm coats and soothes mucous membranes while it absorbs toxins that can cause intestinal problems.  Because of its unique soothing capabilities Slippery Elm Bark is an effective agent in treating gastritis, diverticulitis, colitis, diarrhea, duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and heartburn.  The inner bark of the Slippery Elm contains many antioxidants and can be ground up and eaten like porridge making it a very healthy and beneficial meal for infants and invalids.

In conjunction with Bugleweed, Slippery Elm Bark is a beneficial drink mixture for a healthy heart.  It is also has healing properties for diseases of the female organs.  Slippery Elm Bark is useful in combating dysentery, cystitis, urinary tract infections and other diseases of the bowels.  Another use of Slippery Elm powder involves alleviating tooth pain caused by tooth decay.  Some believe that putting slippery elm powder into a hollow tooth reduces the pain and delays decay of the tooth and may help soothe a sore throat and cough.

Slippery Elm is very helpful to people with ulcers because it neutralizes stomach acids and provides a protective barrier between the ulcer and the stomach acid.  It also strengthens the adrenal glands, is beneficial to the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract, and aids in the digestion process while helping cleanse the colon.  Used as a poultice, Slippery Elm can be applied to the skin surface to alleviate the pain from burns, scrapes, boils, razor burns and cold sores.

(To Be Continued)