- Provides mucilage to soothe the digestive tract.
- Helps relieve throat and digestive discomfort.
- Supports body during convalescence.
- Used internally and externally for skin irritation.
Slippery Elm [Digestive, Intestinal] is also known by the
names Red Elm, Moose Elm and Indian Elm. It may help to relieve occasional
digestive discomfort and provides mucilage, which may soothe the throat and
digestive tract. Mucilage is an easily digestible long chain of sugars
(polysaccharides) that make a slippery substance when combined with water.
Historically, early American settlers used it as a survival food; George
Washington and his troops survived for several days on slippery elm gruel during
the bitter winter at Valley Forge. It may also be used externally as a poultice
for the skin.
