Newsletter 07
Slippery when wet
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra or Ulmus fulva) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is also known as Red Elm, Moose Elm, Sweet Elm and Indian Elm. Slippery elm has been somewhat affected by Dutch elm disease and may be in decline in some areas.
Traditional Uses of Slippery Elm The inner bark of slippery elm trees is collected in the spring when they yield a gooey mucilage that is dried into a powder. This dried inner bark has many traditional, medicinal uses. It contains a mucilage which becomes a slippery gel when mixed with water. The mucilaginous and soothing properties of slippery elm explain its long history of use as a demulcent to soothe the mucous membranes of the body such as the throat, stomach and colon, especially where inflammation is present. Slippery elm also contains antioxidants that help to calm down inflammation. Native Americans used slippery elm topically in salves to heal skin conditions such as boils, burns, inflammation, ulcers and wounds. They also used it internally for coughs, sore throats and digestive complaints. The early colonists in America learned how to use the bark as a soothing and healing nutriment from the Native Americans. It was used for treating the sick, elderly or very young when other foods could not be tolerated. The powdered bark was simmered with milk and given to infants as one of their first weaning foods. During times of conflict in America field surgeons used a poultice of slippery elm bark to treat gun shot wounds. Slippery elm was also eaten for nourishment by both soldiers and horses when other food was not available. In the late 19th century the Henry Thayer Pharmaceutical Company in Massachusetts began production of slippery elm lozenges which are still available today. Their website states that the lozenges are “trusted by tenors, teachers, tour guides and other types who trill, talk and testify …. (they) speed relief to the throat and mouth” (1)
Present Day Use of Slippery Elm Whilst many herbal remedies have come and gone over the centuries, slippery elm is one herbal remedy that has survived the test of time. It is as useful today as it was hundreds of years ago. From 1820-1960 slippery elm bark was listed in the US Pharmacopeia as a demulcent, emollient and anti-tussive (helpful for coughs). Nowadays it is approved as a non-prescription medication in the United States and is often used by British herbalists. However, it is less well known in Europe. Suggested uses of slippery elm powder include: Tickly coughs and sore throats Gastro-oesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) Stomach ulcers and gastritis Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Constipation and diarrhoea Externally it can be used as a poultice for minor burns, boils, cold sores, bruises, black eyes, nappy rash, wounds and other inflammatory or irritated skin conditions.
Constituents of Slippery Elm Bark As well as the mucilage, slippery elm contains: Antioxidants – slippery elm powder has been found to have antioxidants that act against toxins that cause cell death, lipid peroxidation, carcinogenesis and ageing (2). It also contains flavanoids that help support the cardiovascular system and immune function. Phytosterols that help to balance the body’s cholesterol levels. Salicylic acid which has pain relieving properties as well as being a common topical treatment for acne. Caprylic acid which has anti-fungal properties Tannins which have astringent properties that are useful for some skin conditions as well as diarrhoea (3).
IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease The effects of a combination formula containing slippery elm bark on people with both constipation predominant and diarrhoea predominant IBS were investigated. Those in both groups experienced reductions in straining, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and overall symptom severity. Those with constipation predominant IBS also experienced a significant increase in bowel movement frequency and improvements in stool consistency (4). The cells of an inflamed colon produce toxic substances that contribute to the symptoms of
inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. Research into the effects of herbal remedies on inflamed colorectal tissue found that slippery elm had free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant effects. The researchers conclude that slippery elm merits evaluation as a therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (5).
Psoriasis There is no known cure for psoriasis although there are many treatments available that are aimed at reducing the severity of the symptoms. These may work for a while but do nothing to address the underlying imbalances. Many treatments are associated with significant adverse side effects. Due to this unsatisfactory situation a group of 5 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis attended a 10 day, residential programme in which a physician assessed their psoriasis symptoms and bowel permeability. They were put on a dietary protocol based on the teachings of the psychic and healer Edgar Cayce. They were also instructed on how to continue the protocol at home for the following 6 months. The protocol included a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, small amounts of protein from fish and poultry, fibre supplements, olive oil and avoidance of red meat, processed foods and refined carbohydrates along with daily saffron tea and slippery elm bark tea. The patients’ symptoms improved on all measured outcomes over the six month period when measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Psoriasis Severity Scale (PSS). Intestinal permeability also decreased in all patients. These results suggest that a dietary regime, including daily intake of slippery elm tea, may be an effective therapy for the treatment of psoriasis although further research is warranted (6).
Essiac Essiac is a herbal combination that was brought to western consciousness by a nurse called Rene Caisse. Rene learned of the herbal remedy from a patient with breast cancer who had been recommended it by a Canadian OjibwaIndian. The patient rejected the medical establishment’s recommendation that she have a mastectomy and chose the herbal concoction instead. She lived another 30 years with no recurrence. Rene refined the formula by carrying out experiments on mice who had been injected with human cancer cells. The name Essiac comes from Caisse’s name spelt backwards. In 1977 the formulation was bought from Rene by a company called Resperin in Toronto who transferred the rights to Essiac Corp. Inc. in 1995. Essiac contains slippery elm bark along with burdock root, Indian rhubarb root and sheep sorrel. Each of these herbs has been reported to possess antioxidant activity and research confirms that in combination they have significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, moderate anti-inflammatory properties and contain DNA protective
agents. This may help to explain the mechanisms behind the reported anti-cancer effects of Essiac (7,8). Please note, there are insufficient, high quality, peer-reviewed, clinical trials to substantiate the use of Essiac as a treatment for cancer or any other serious conditions (9).
Fruity Fibre Bites
How to Use Slippery Elm Powder
4 tbsp prunes, chopped
For medicinal use typical dosages are: Adults Mix 1tsp of slippery elm powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Take between 1tsp and 1tbsp 3 times a day or as needed. For gastrointestinal complaints it is often recommended to take slippery elm before or after meals. Children The dose is weight dependant meaning the smaller the child the lower the dose. Consult with a medical practitioner or medical herbalist before giving slippery elm to young children. To Make a Poultice for External Use Mix slippery elm powder with enough boiling water to make a thick paste. Cool and apply to the affected skin. Do not apply to open wounds.
Recipes Add a tablespoon of slippery elm powder to increase the thickness and nutritional value of home made vegan ice creams, puddings and smoothies. Slippery Elm Lozenges These are great if you have a sore throat or need to use your voice a lot for talking or singing. 4 tbps slippery elm powder 1 tbsp honey Combine the honey and slippery elm powder to make a thick paste. Add more of either ingredient until you can roll it into small lozenges. Roll each lozenge in some slippery elm powder. Store in the freezer until needed. Wrap each lozenge in greaseproof paper and carry them with you when needed.
A great remedy for getting sluggish bowels moving as well as being delicious, healthy and nutritious. 4 tbsp raisins 4 tbsp dried apricots, chopped 4 tbsp dried apples, chopped 4 tbsp figs, chopped 2 tbsp slippery elm powder 1 tbsp ground flax seeds 1 tbsp ground chia seeds 4 tbsp black strap molasses or honey Put all the ingredients into a blender and whizz until the mixture holds together. Spread the mixture into a lined, shallow tray. Press down and refridgerate. Cut into small squares and dust with slippery elm powder. Variations Add nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, cacao powder, or other dried fruits as desired. Caution Do not take slippery elm if you have an allergy to elm trees. Use with caution if you are prone to allergic reactions generally. If you take any oral medications wait for at least 2 hours after taking your medications before taking slippery elm as the mucilage in slippery elm may decrease the amount and rate of absorption. Use of slippery elm powder has not been tested during pregnancy or lactation.
References www.Thayers.com Choi HR, Choi JS, Han YN, Bae SJ, Chung HY. Peroxynitrite scavenging activity of herb extracts. Phytother. Res. 2002 Jun;16(4):364-7 Kemper KJ, Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra or U. fulva). The Longwood Herbal Task Force and the Centre for Holistic Paediatric Education and Research. Revised Sept. 1999 Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. J Altern. Complement. Med. 2010 Oct;16(10):1065-71 Langmead L, Dawson C, Hawkins C, Banna N, Rampton DS. Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Feb;16(2):197-205 Brown AC, Hairfield M, Richards DG, McMillin DL, Mein EA, Nelson CD. Medical nutrition therapy as a potential complementary treatment for psoriasis--five case reports. Altern. Med Rev. 2004 Sep;9(3):297-307 Leonard SS, Keil D, Mehlman T, Proper S, Shi X, Harris GK. Essiac tea: scavenging of reactive oxygen species and effects on DNA damage. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):288-96. Seely D, Kennedy DA, Myers SP, Cheras PA, Lin D, Li R, Cattley T, Brent PA, Mills E, Leonard BJ. In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac. Anticancer Res. 2007 Nov-Dec;27(6B):3875-82 Ulbricht C, Weissner W, Hashmi S, Rae Abrams T et al. Essiac: systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2009 Spring;7(2):73-80.
Writtten by Josie Cowgill Newsletter Design, Illustration & Front Cover text by New Gaia Designs
Fruity Fibre Bites
www.bonpom.com Copyright Š 2012 BonPom Ltd. The contents of this newsletter remain the property of BonPom Ltd and may not be reproduced wholey or in part without the express permission of BonPom Ltd.