Alternative Health & Herb Remedies With Slippery Elm

Alternative Health & Herb Remedies with Slippery Elm

May 25, 2010 | By Nicole Brown

Slippery elm is believed by many holistic and natural health practitioners to have a variety of health and medicinal benefits. The slippery elm tree grows throughout North America and is commonly found in the United States and parts of eastern Canada. Slippery elm is used in a variety of herbal remedies. Always consult with a physician or health care provider before using an herbal remedy.

Healing Poultice

The bark of the slippery elm tree is believed to be effective when made into a topical healing poultice. According to "Herbal Medicine," by Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D., Native American tribes of North America used this poultice on various skin diseases, wounds and boils. The poultice can be made by mixing the powdered bark with cold water and mixing it into a paste-like consistency. Apply directly to the infected area. This paste may also be placed on a gauze pad and applied with a bandage.

Herbal Tea

Slippery elm bark is reputed to be effective in relieving congestion and tightness in the chest when used in an herbal tea. To make the tea, dissolve a teaspoon of the powdered bark in water and mix it in with your favorite herbal tea. Some health food and specialty stores have slippery elm lozenges available, which can be used as an alternative to the herbal tea mixture.

Wound Paste

According to "Herbal Medicine," slippery elm bark can be combined with goldenseal root powder to make a powerful wound-healing paste. With this remedy, the slippery elm acts as a soothing agent while the goldenseal acts as a healing antiseptic. To make this healing wound paste, mix equal parts goldenseal root powder and slippery elm bark with 1 tbs. of olive oil or spring water and mix into a paste. Apply to a gauze pad and cover the wound, securing in place with an elastic binding or bandage. After removing the bandage, the wound can be cleansed with sage tea.