Powdered Slippery Elm

In traditional Native American medicine, the inner bark of slippery elm is used to treat wounds and gastrointestinal ailments. Slippery elm is also a main ingredient in essiac tea, an herbal tea said to support the immune system.

Slippery elm contains soluble fiber, which is a fiber that dissolves in liquid. The soluble fiber found in slippery elm is called mucilage.

Mucilage traps and absorbs water, forming a gel-like substance. This substance is a demulcent, which means it forms a coating over mucous membranes. The coating may provide short-term relief of pain and inflammation.

Slippery elm also contains calcium. The calcium may act as a mild antacid.