Slippery Elm Bark herbal

Slippery Elm Bark

Elm trees are native to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. Skin washes and tea were created by drying elm leaves. Natives ate the inner bark because it is high in carbohydrates and can be easily digested. The inner bark was also used to waterproof canoes, baskets, and places of living. Elm was used by colonists to make pudding, to thicken jelly, to preserve grease, and as a survival food on long trips. It was used medicinally to treat toothaches, skin injuries, gout, arthritis, stomach aches, intestinal worms, and coughs. Uses and Indications Slippery elm is used to relieve gastrointestinal conditions, sore throats, ulcers, and respiratory irritations today. External uses include treatment of skin conditions, vaginitis, and hemorrhoids. It can be used as a cough medicine or as a skin smoother and softener. Dosage and Administration 500 mg capsules can be takes three times daily by adults. A decoction can be ingested with 4 to 16 ml three times daily, 5 to 20 ml one part to ten parts water taken as needed, or one part slippery elm powder from bark to eight parts water. It can also be added to oatmeal or juice. An infusion is recommended for nutritional supplementation; add 4 g of powdered bark to 500 ml of boiling water and take three times daily. For a poultice, add coarse powdered bark to boiling water. Apply topically. Find the correct dose for a child by using their weight. Herbal dosages are generally calculated for a 150 lb adult. If a child weighs 50 lb, the correct dose is 1/3 of the adult dosage. Do not use herbal product on children before talking to their physician. The same is recommended for adult usage.