Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus Fulva) is a soothing nutritive demulcent suitable for sensitive or inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system. Slippery elm inner bark is very rich in mucilage, a complex mixture of polysaccharides that form a soothing gelatinous fiber when water is added. The pleasant tasting gruel is made by adding water to the bark powder.
Slippery Elm Bark is recommended for soothing gastric diseases such as Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD). It has several beneficial effects on digestion: 1) it reduces bowel transit time; 2) it absorbs toxins from the bowel; 3) increases fecal bulk and dilutes stool materials thereby reducing stool contact with the intestinal mucosa 4) it enhances beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The bark has noted anti-inflammatory activity and because the mucilage resists digestion by stomachs acids and enzymes, it maintains its soothing action throughout the entire digestive system.