Slippery Elm
In North America, slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has been used medicinally to promote digestive health, including treatment. For example, slippery elm was used to treat wounds, coughs, sore throat, and skin irritation. It also treats stomach issues such as hyperacidity, ulcerative disorders, and weakened mucous membranes.
The polysaccharides in slippery elm provide considerable health advantages to the gut microbiome. The slippery elm contains mucilage, which forms a slippery gel when combined with water. Increased mucus production is caused by the slippery elm’s stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal system, caused by reflux stimulation. It helps protect the digestive system against ulcers and excessive acidity and is also rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
Slippery elm supplements are generally accessible and can be purchased as capsules or tea. It is usually safe, according to experts, to take pills daily for up to eight weeks. These supplements may be used to treat the symptoms of inflammatory bowel illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. A recent study reported that patients with IBS who took the supplements experienced an improvement in their symptoms. Moreover, slippery elm exhibits antioxidant benefits on colon tissue samples from individuals with ulcerative colitis.
