No food or drug of today comes close to matching the place of honour that slippery elm held in 18th and 19th century America. The herb was the nation’s leading home remedy for anything in need of soothing. An Eclectic physician Dr Beach reported the numerous uses by Native Americans and declared that "in point of utility, it is of far more value than its weight in gold". Its common name refers to the slippery consistency the inner bark assumes when it is chewed or mixed with water.
Slippery elm has traditionally been used for a range of ailments, particularly in relation to the mucous membranes, digestive and urinary systems. The highly demulcent and soothing action of the mucilage was employed in the treatment of stomach ulcers, reflux, diarrhoea and colitis. Slippery elm was also used for coughs and sore throats, having a soothing, antitussive and reflex demulcent action.
The reflex action of the mucilage on the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract meant the herb was also useful in cases of cystitis and bladder irritation. Topical applications of the powdered inner bark were traditionally used to help heal and soothe skin ulcers, burns, wounds and boils. The herb also has a bulk laxative action and was valuable in providing nutrition during convalescence. Slippery elm was taken before festivities to avoid "hangover" and before travelling to avoid travel sickness. While containing less mucilage than a water only based extraction, the ethanol and water extract still contains some mucilage. This extract is useful for compounding and compliance in people who are unable to take the powder.
References
HEC monograph
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