5/6/07
Slippery Elm- Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Side Effects, Dosage
Author: Steve Mathew
Slippery Elm
This American herbal remedy is traditionally obtained from Ihe bark of the red elm tree, Ulmus rubra (also known as Ulmus ulva). The inner bark is required, and this may result in the death of the tree; thus, different species of elm bark are sometimes round in current preparations.
Uses and Benefits:
Today, the product is used mainly in lozenges and teas to Ireat pharyngitis. It is also employed for bronchitis, colitis, digestive disorders, pepticulcer, gout, rheumatism, cystitis, and skin inflammation. Slippery elm was used by traditional native Americans to treat wounds and as a poultice or salve for skin diseases, including bruises and burns. The herb is also one of several herbal ingredients found in the popular alternative anti-cancer remedies Essiac and Flor-Essence.
Pharmacology:
A hygroscopic, mucilaginous material is extracted from the bark; it swells considerably when water is added. 3 fannins, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, sugars, starch, and other Illinor constituents are present. The mucilage soothes the skin ;md mucous membranes.
Clinical Trials:
No clinical trials have been conducted. A pilotludy is planned to see if a controlled trial can be carried out on Ihe multi-herb anti-cancer formulation, Flor-Essence.
Adverse Effects:
None, other than occasional allergic skin reactions.
Side Effects and Interactions:
No drug interactions are recognized.
Cautions:
Slippery elm has a reputation as an abortifacient; this effect results from its deliberate use to dilate the cervical canal.
Preparations & Doses:
Slippery elm products are available in tablets, capsules, lozenges, liquid extracts, and powders. It can ,i1so be prepared as an infusion or as a poultice. The usual dose is 200 mg given a few times a day. Alternatively, 4-6 g of powdered bark can be added to 100-500 ml heated water to make a mucilaginous drink. When 1 g is added to 40 ml cold water, a jelly forms within 1 hour. The powder can be added to milk, and was formerly used as a food supplement.
Summary Evaluation
Slippery elm is like marshmallow candy and other soft, bland, demulcent herbal products, such as plantain, coltsfoot, and com�frey. Although no specific benefits have been demonstrated, it is still favored in preparations such as throat pastilles for coughs or sore throat and for soothing various gastrointestinal symptoms.
¶ 5:07 PM
Author: Steve Mathew
Slippery Elm
This American herbal remedy is traditionally obtained from Ihe bark of the red elm tree, Ulmus rubra (also known as Ulmus ulva). The inner bark is required, and this may result in the death of the tree; thus, different species of elm bark are sometimes round in current preparations.
Uses and Benefits:
Today, the product is used mainly in lozenges and teas to Ireat pharyngitis. It is also employed for bronchitis, colitis, digestive disorders, pepticulcer, gout, rheumatism, cystitis, and skin inflammation. Slippery elm was used by traditional native Americans to treat wounds and as a poultice or salve for skin diseases, including bruises and burns. The herb is also one of several herbal ingredients found in the popular alternative anti-cancer remedies Essiac and Flor-Essence.
Pharmacology:
A hygroscopic, mucilaginous material is extracted from the bark; it swells considerably when water is added. 3 fannins, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, sugars, starch, and other Illinor constituents are present. The mucilage soothes the skin ;md mucous membranes.
Clinical Trials:
No clinical trials have been conducted. A pilotludy is planned to see if a controlled trial can be carried out on Ihe multi-herb anti-cancer formulation, Flor-Essence.
Adverse Effects:
None, other than occasional allergic skin reactions.
Side Effects and Interactions:
No drug interactions are recognized.
Cautions:
Slippery elm has a reputation as an abortifacient; this effect results from its deliberate use to dilate the cervical canal.
Preparations & Doses:
Slippery elm products are available in tablets, capsules, lozenges, liquid extracts, and powders. It can ,i1so be prepared as an infusion or as a poultice. The usual dose is 200 mg given a few times a day. Alternatively, 4-6 g of powdered bark can be added to 100-500 ml heated water to make a mucilaginous drink. When 1 g is added to 40 ml cold water, a jelly forms within 1 hour. The powder can be added to milk, and was formerly used as a food supplement.
Summary Evaluation
Slippery elm is like marshmallow candy and other soft, bland, demulcent herbal products, such as plantain, coltsfoot, and com�frey. Although no specific benefits have been demonstrated, it is still favored in preparations such as throat pastilles for coughs or sore throat and for soothing various gastrointestinal symptoms.
About the Author:
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines for common ailments and diseases. For more information on herbal remedies and home remedies visit our site on health care.
¶ 5:07 PM
