IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF SLIPPERY ELM & YOU HAVE GUT ISSUES- LISTEN UP!
Slippery what? I hear you say.
Slippery elm.
It is a tree (Ulmas rubra) and the powder is made from the bark of the tree.
Traditionally slippery elm has been used for hundreds of years for :
Externally: wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation.
Soothing mucous membranes, including the digestive tract, urinary and respiratory tract.
I love using it for my patients suffering from digestive issues because of its soothing properties, fibre levels, and it’s anti-inflammatory actions. It coats the digestive tract, protecting it from aggravating a gens like certain foods, acids etc and soothes the entire digestive tract
For these reasons its fantastic for regulating bowels, reducing bloating and abdominal discomfort, and soothing heartburn.
The main digestive conditions that slippery elm can help with are:
Reflux
Diarrhoea - It swells to help make a more formed stool.
Constipation - It helps soften and bulk the stool.
Ideal for digestive ups, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
Improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract in general.
It’s also a fantastic pre-biotic, meaning that it helps feed good bacteria in the gut, allowing good gut health to be maintained.
Other non gut uses for slippery elm:
Soothing urinary tract infections
Coughs and sore throats
So how do you have it?
Just a teaspoon, that’s all that’s needed!
Serving suggestions:
Mix with warm water- can add a bit of honey for taste
in a smoothie with banana- disguises the flavour great!
In some yogurt
Karah is a degree qualified Naturopath with over 8 years experience in the health industry. She practices from Geelong, Ocean Grove and Bannockburn and specializes in digestive conditions. Book your appointment today!
