Slippery elm soothes many stomach problems
BY SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Dear Pharmacist, I’ve dealt with
stomach problems all my life. What
natural remedy can soothe my tummy
when it’s hard to eat? — W.C., Denver
Probiotics are fundamental
to digestive health. And a diet
free of common food allergens
is in order. But something
like slippery elm could help.
Known as “Ulmus fulva” to
herbalists, the mucilage from
the inner bark of the tree provides
extensive nutrition and
easy-to-digest complex carbs.
Slippery elm forms a slick gel
coating and soothing everything
it comes in contact with
including your mouth, throat,
stomach and intestines.
It could help you with acid
reflux, ulcerative colitis, gastritis,
chronic pancreatitis, constipation/
diarrhea and ulcers.
A bad cough or bronchitis may
respond to slippery elm.
Slippery elms is sold as
tablets/capsules, liquid herbal
extracts and lozenges.
Health food stores carry
powder which is ground up inner
bark of the tree. There are
coarse and fine powders; coarse
is needed to make topical poultices
which help cuts, bruises
and achy joints. The fine powder
can be eaten as a gruel.
Slippery elm contains calcium,
manganese, iron, magnesium,
phosphorus, potassium,
selenium, zinc, beta-carotene,
vitamin C and B vitamins.
The recipe for slippery
elm gruel consists of about 1
tablespoonful fine powder and
enough hot water to make a
thin, smooth paste. The amount
of water used is up to your
personal taste. I use ½ cup
and blend it together. Sweeten
it with organic honey, agave,
maple syrup or stevia and flavor
it with cinnamon, nutmeg,
lemon rind or vanilla. Go for
the consistency of cream of
wheat. The dosage varies, some
say eat the whole thing in one
sitting, other experts suggest a
tablespoon every hour until you
can eat solid food again. Perhaps
consider your weight, age
and severity of malnutrition.
Ask your doctor if this
wonderful remedy in any form
is approved for your current
health status and drug regimen.
Some people are allergic to
“elm” pollen. Separate administration
of slippery elm from
important drugs by two hours.
info@dearpharmacist.com
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