18 Slippery Elm Benefits And Uses

1. Soothes Sore Throats

Due to its high mucilage content, when Slippery elm is mixed with water it forms a gel that creates a barrier over the inflamed throat tissues. It can also help to alleviate some of the ailments that are commonly linked to sore throat, owing to the flu, bacterial or viral infections, or vocal abuse. 

It is therefore used for pulling down inflammation and relieving irritations in the throat region and hence can be used in the treatment of laryngitis and pharyngitis. This is one of the most effective home remedies that one can use for sore throat.

2. Relieves Constipation And Diarrhea

The mucilage in slippery elm constitutes a mild cathartic, used to ease constipation owing to its capacity to administer bulk to the intestinal contents. 

On the other hand, this same property contributes to reducing the quantity of water absorbed by the intestines which in turn reduces the looseness of the bowel movements, thereby decreasing incidences of diarrhea. 

This dual capacity makes slippery elm a useful treatment for individuals who wish to tone up or reduce their bowels.

3. Eases Heartburn And Acid Reflux

As it provides a covering to the stomach lining and esophagus, slippery elm is helpful in reducing the intensity of heartburn and acid reflux. The mucilage also has an action of reducing inflammation of the lining of the stomach and acts as a barrier in order to prevent further harm from the stomach acid. 

This natural antacid is more useful than the commercial type because apart from acting as an antacid it also helps to heal the lining of the esophagus and thereby allows lesser incidence and intensity of GERD attacks.

4. Aids Digestion

The inner bark of slippery elm has been employed to treat gastrointestinal conditions as it provides protection to the mucosa of the stomach and bowels.

This layer serves as a protective shield that minimizes such effects that are associated with diseases like IBS, colitis, and even Crohn’s disease.

Not only does it have a mucilage content under which this organ is reinforced and supported, but it also aids in repairing the gastrointestinal tract due to which digestive disorders such as bloating, gas, and cramping are reduced.

5. Alleviates Urinary Tract Infections

Due to its ability to coat the mucous membranes and provide relief from irritation or inflammation, slippery elm is effective in easing symptoms related to UTIs. It provides a protective shield over the lining of the urinary passage and thus relieves the burning sensation at the time of urination. 

It also has a relatively low diuretic action, thereby assisting in allowing the body to discharge bacteria that are responsible for UTI or prevention of the same. Incorporation of slippery elm can hence be used to maintain the healthiness of the urinary system and prevent recurrent infections.

6. Supports Respiratory Health

The slippery elm contains mucilage, which has the ability to coat the throat lining and hence cure problems affecting the respiratory system such as bronchitis, and coughs among others.

This assists in easing inflammation and irritation within the throat and lungs, contributing to breathing and addressing congestion. 

Moreover, its anti-inflammatory component promotes the general well-being of the respiratory organs, which makes the remedy helpful for those suffering from long-term diseases including asthma and Chronic Obstructive and Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

7. Promotes Skin Health

When used externally as an ointment slippery elm is known to have properties that can help in the treatment of such skin illnesses as wounds, burns, and other kinds of inflammation. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects which help in the reduction of pain and inflammation, and nutrients assist in skin cell growth.

The mucilage creates a sort of cover over the region and maintains the moisture, thereby reducing the chances of further irritation and promoting faster healing as well as minimizing the possibility of a developing infection.

8. Reduces Inflammation

Another utilization of slippery elm is for treating conditions that are characterized by inflammation, for instance, arthritis and gout. It has a mucilage component which aids in inflammation reduction in regions such as the joints and tissues thus aiding in pain and inflammation reduction. 

It can therefore enhance mobility and usability among individuals who are often bedridden due to chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, it is also an antioxidant, which assists in fighting free radicals which are also a cause of inflammation and aids in the healing process of the human body.

9. Boosts Immune System

A component present in the slippery elm is the antioxidant compounds and it is essential to ward off free radicals hence supporting the immune system. Some of these antioxidants offer shelter to the body’s cells in order to withstand oxidative stress and damage that in return boosts the immune system. 

Ingesting slippery elm on a regular basis can also strengthen the body’s immune system and help fight infections and diseases and moreover, aid the body to recover faster. Its calming qualities are especially useful in supporting the health of mucosa, which is an essential component of the immune system.

10. Acts As A Nutrient Source

It is a source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, K, which help to support a healthy body and excellent condition. Calcium helps in building bones and muscles while magnesium offers support to such bones, vitamins are used in immune system activities, skin and the formation of energy. 

The use of slippery elm in the diet can assist in the replenishment of nutrient deficiencies along with the use of other nutrients that may be present in a person’s diet; thus the product is of importance, especially to those people who have digestion problems that may hinder absorption of nutrients.

11. Helps With Weight Management

The produced mucilage in the slippery elm gives you a full stomach feeling and this is very essential in controlling the urge to eat. It, therefore, turns out to be a helpful tool in attempts aimed at maintaining healthy weight loss. 

Reducing the rate of digestion also minimizes the insulin spike, thus curbing hunger pangs and controlling the portions that you consume.

Furthermore, it has a mild purgative effect; thus, it can work as a natural cleanser for easing bowel movements and alleviating bloating, which is important for achieving weight loss goals.

12. Heals Canker Sores

It is effective in mouthwash form to treat canker sores and any other irritation that one may be experiencing in the mouth. It helps protect the sores by forming a covering over them and minimizing the pain or any further discomfort. 

The anti-inflammatory effect also reduces inflammation that hinders the healing process while the antimicrobial value prevents other infections from compromising the healing process. It can also be used in a regular manner to prevent the recurrence of canker sores and, therefore, it should be incorporated in daily oral care.

13. Helps In Detoxification

Slippery elm can also aid in detoxification through its mild emulsive action on the stomach. It enables easy passage of stools and thus aids in the elimination of waste products from the digestive system. 

Essentially, its mucilage coats the colon and heals any inflammation in the intestinal tract to help the bowel function properly and also aids the liver in detoxifying the body. Daily use can help with digestion, and detoxification and it will also help in promoting the general health of an individual.

14. Improves Hair Health

Another way of using slippery elm is in hair care products because this helps to maintain the moisture balance of the hair, improves its strength, and will help decrease the level of split ends and hair breakage while promoting hair growth at the same time. 

For instance, their nutrient content has been determined to be of importance in the nourishment of hair follicles and additionally the scalps. The mucilage offers a layer of protection that retains moisture hence making hair healthier, silkier, and easier to manage

The recurring application of slippery elm in hair products or hair therapies can go a long way not just in improving the hair’s conditions, but also in enhancing its strength and its resistance to breakage.

15. Supports Mental Health

Slippery elm contains properties that can help to minimize stress and anxiety among people. It also plays a role in digestion which is known to have an impact on mental health since physical health helps portray good moods and thoughts. 

Being an anti-inflammatory agent and a source of nutrients that are proven to be important for the proper functioning of the brain, slippery elm can be beneficial in enhancing brain health. Frequent consumption can help the body relax and be able to undergo stress to improve the mental and emotional health of the body.

16. Supports Heart Health

By lowering inflammation levels in the arteries, the anti-inflammatory function of slippery elm can benefit the health of the heart. This prevents the accumulation of fatty materials that may lead to the formation of plaques on artery walls thus reducing the chances of atherosclerosis, a significant contributor to heart diseases. 

Also, it has antioxidant components that fight free radicals hence providing a further boost to the cardiovascular system of the body. They can reduce the frequency of blood pressure drops, improve blood flow, and consequently decrease the chances of cardiovascular diseases in individuals who take slippery elm.

17. Improves Sleep Quality

Due to its ability to provide a calming effect, slippery elm ushers people to sleep, thereby helping out with insomnia issues. Another advantage of its action on the part of the body is good digestion since an upset stomach is known to disrupt sleep. 

Slippery elm also possesses sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that will enable people to be more relaxed to fall asleep and have sound sleep. Daily consumption is good for the health of its consumers and furthermore helps regulate the sleeping pattern.

18. Regulates Blood Sugar Level

The inner bark of slippery elm also acts as an agent for regulating blood sugar levels hence is beneficial for diabetic patients. Its mucilage lowers the rate of carbs’ digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps avert a rise in blood sugar.

This can assist in the enhancement of insulin sensitivity as well as in actively managing diabetes. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory action aids total body metabolism control, thereby preventing diabetic complications and improving glycemic control.