What is Slipper Elm - Hal Elm (Ulmus fulva) good for?

What is Slippery Elm?

Ulmus Rubra, also known as slippery elm in English, is a deciduous tree species native to North America. The tree can grow up to 20-30 meters high and has a characteristically rough bark. Slippery Elm has historically been used by the indigenous people of North America for its medicinal properties and has a long tradition in folk medicine.

The most used part of Slippery Elm is the inner bark, which contains a viscous and jelly-like substance called mucus or mucilage. The mucus is formed when it is mixed with water and has a soothing and protective effect on the body's mucous membranes. It is rich in nutrients that strengthen and restore the mucous membranes.

Slippery Elm has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. It has traditionally been used to soothe wounds, boils, burns and skin inflammations by applying a jelly-like paste directly to the skin. In addition, it has been used to soothe the stomach and relieve stomach problems such as acid reflux, ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation.

In addition to its use as a remedy, Slippery Elm can also be used as a dietary supplement. It is known for its antioxidant properties and contains, among other things, phenols and flavonoids. Slippery Elm has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve intestinal inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It is important to note that Slippery Elm is not a panacea for all health problems and the best course of action is to consult a doctor or health specialist before using it for medicinal purposes.

Why is Slippery Elm good?

The mucus (also called mucilage) soothes the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines with antioxidants that help relieve intestinal inflammation. Slime worts such as slippery elm help lubricate the gastrointestinal tract and are an especially good choice for people with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. Since the soothing constituents of slippery elm are best extracted with water, tea is an excellent way to ingest this herbal ally when needed.

Buy Recipe 1.2 - Stomach focus with a high content of Slippery Elm HERE

How does Slippery Elm work for IBS?

1. Relief of inflammation: Hal Alm contains the substance mucus or mucilage, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In IBS, there can be inflammation in the intestines, and Hal Alm can help reduce this inflammation and relieve symptoms.
2. Lubricating effect: The slime in Slippery Elm forms a jelly-like substance when mixed with water. This substance can act as a lubricant along the digestive tract and facilitate the passage of stool through the intestines. It can help relieve constipation and reduce discomfort.
3. Soothing of mucous membranes: Slippery Elm has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. It can reduce irritation and sensitivity in the intestines, which can result in reduced symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
4. Protective effect: The mucus in Slippery Elm forms a protective coating along the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. This can help reduce contact between food and sensitive intestinal walls, which can reduce the risk of irritation and aggravation of symptoms.

It is important to note that the effect of Slippery Elm on IBS can vary from person to person. Some people may experience significant relief from their symptoms by using Slippery Elm, while others may not have the same results. It is always best to consult with a physician or gastroenterologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options for IBS, including the use of Slippery Elm.

What studies have been done with Slippery Elm & IBS?

There have been some studies done to investigate the effects of Slippery Elm on people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here are some of the studies that have been conducted:

1. A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the effects of Slippery Elm on symptom relief in patients with IBS. The study included 62 participants and found that the use of Hal Alm in capsule form led to significant improvement in symptoms, including reduced abdominal pain and improved stool consistency.
2. Another study published in 2017 in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology examined the effects of Slippery Elm on IBS patients with constipation. The study involved 100 participants and found that the use of Hal Alm in the form of a dietary supplement resulted in increased stool frequency and reduced constipation.
3. A small study published in 2010 in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association examined the use of Slippery Elm in diarrhea-predominant IBS patients. The study included 32 participants and found that Hal Alm in the form of a paste helped reduce the frequency of diarrhea and improved stool consistency.

These studies provide some indication that Slippery Elm may have positive effects on symptom relief in people with IBS. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to confirm the results and understand the exact mechanisms by which Slippery Elm may affect IBS.