Benefits Of

Benefits of Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery Elm Bark powder has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries, with advocates stirring slippery elm into hot water to make a tea or slathering it on irritated skin and minor wounds to make use of to its reported healing properties. These days its favoured as a powdered supplement that can be added to your favourite brew or smoothie. 

You may be wondering what the benefits of slippery elm bark are; and what is slippery elm anyway? We take a look at the powder health-goers swear by in this guide to the benefits of slippery elm bark powder. 

Slippery Elm Tea

What is Slippery Elm Bark Powder?

Slippery elm bark powder is made from the inner bark of the elm tree, or Ulmus fulva, a tree native to Eastern USA and Canada. The inner bark of the elm tree is dried and ground into powder form to be used as an herbal supplement. Traditionally used for medicinal purposes by native Americans, slippery elm is a favourite natural remedy for everything from wound care to digestive support.  

Benefits of Slippery Elm Bark

  • Slippery elm bark powder’s most common use is to support the digestive system. Studies have shown promising effects for sufferers of common digestive woes, such as constipation, bloating, and IBS. 
  • Traditionally, the powder was used in salve to treat minor skin conditions, wounds, and irritation.
  • Slippery elm bark contains an antioxidant rich substance called mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe. Research has also shown mucilage contains antimicrobial agents. 
  • Mucilage acts as a prebiotic, delivering fibre to help promote healthy gut bacteria.

Ways to enjoy Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery Elm Chocolate Latte

Who could say no to a daily chocolate latte? To make a Slippery Elm Chocolate Latter mix one tablespoon of slippery elm bark powder with water to form a paste. Simmer 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of coconut milk in a saucepan, whisking in the slippery elm paste until smooth. Add one teaspoon of cacao powder and sweetener of choice. Serve topped with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. 

Slippery Elm Tea

This Slippery Elm powder from Wonder Foods is perfect to enjoy as a soothing tea. Simply mix one teaspoon of the powder with a little water to make a paste, then add to one cup of hot water with a dash of honey or blackstrap molasses. Top it off with a dash of coconut milk (or milk of choice) and a sprinkle of cinnamon to taste. Wonder Foods creates their slippery elm powder from non-GMO slippery elm, with no fillers or artificial colours or flavours added to create a pure powder that’s perfect for promoting good digestion.

Sarah Vercoe

Article by Sarah Vercoe

Sarah is a freelance writer and award-winning photographer with a special interest in health, travel, and fitness. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, she can be found hiking the trails of Noosa National Park, or, more likely, chasing after her one year old daughter, Illyana.

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