Ulmus rubra or slippery elm as it's more commonly referred to is a deciduous tree native to North America.

Within the dried inner bark of the slippery elm (the bast) is a nutritive substance that is rich in calcium and bioflavonoids. The bast also contains a high amount of mucilage, starch as well as a small quantity of vitamin E and tannins.

Slippery Elm's nutrient content includes calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃ and C. Many people consume the herb to soothe and nourish the body.

Slippery elm can be utilized in various preparations, each bringing with it a different method to which the herb works. It can act as a expectorant, demulcent diuretic, as well as a soothing and nutritive tonic providing beneficial effects to the respiratory system, adrenal glands and the gastrointestinal tract.

Many experts have recommended taking the inner bark as an infusion or syrup to treat sore throat, bronchitis, laryngitis, and stomach ulcers.

Slippery elm is a healing remedy once widely used to treat consumption, known now as tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.

The inner bark also contains a mucilaginous substance that soothes tissues in the lungs, intestines, colon and urinary tract that may become irritated. It may also be beneficial in treating Crohn's disease, a condition characterized by the walls of the small intestines and colon becoming inflamed.

Slippery elm aids the body in eliminating toxins from the body and ridding itself of mucus. It can also be applied as the skin as a healing salve when mixed with water to treat numerous skin problems including bed sores, abscess, diaper rash, burns, scalds, boils and infections.

Many experts also recommend combining slippery elm with other soothing herbs, such as Echinacea and goldenseal in a salve preparation to soothe and heal inflamed and infected skin.

In recent years, the antioxidant use of slippery elm has been investigated. A group of researchers in Korea found that slippery elm extract inactivates an oxidizing compound that causes cell death called peroxynitrite.

Slippery elm can be found widely today in throat lozenge and tea form.

* Important note: Slippery Elm is usually well tolerated and no known side effects have been reported.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using slippery elm or any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.