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Sip Tea with Saba: Slippery Elm Bark  

Oct 5

5 min read

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The statements in this editorial are simply for informational purposes, entertainment, and objective research and do not represent the views or policies of the publication, or any other organization with which the author may be affiliated. They are also not to be viewed as personal medical care, but rather for the purpose of general knowledge. The author is not a medical professional. The reader is strongly encouraged to speak to his/her own physician for medical advice.


What’s the Tea on Slippery Elm Bark?

Think the Age of Revolutions 1775 and onward: The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a flickering candle on a small wooden table, casting shadows against the rough-hewn walls of the makeshift surgical quarters. A single window with a tattered curtain alongside the scent of antiseptic mingled with musty air. The silence is broken only by the sound of breathing and the occasional rustling of the surgeon’s hands shifting between instruments. The patient lay on the worn operating table, unconscious, his body vulnerable after a delicate abdominal century. It is before and during the 19th century, a time when medical science was still in its infancy in the West. The tools were simple, rudimentary, and the stakes high as ever. There are no sterile bandages, no advanced surgical equipment, just the courage of the surgeon and the trust of the patient. Amidst this uncertainty, one unusual resource had found its way into the hands of American doctors: the bark of the slippery elm tree. An invaluable tool passed on from the wisdom of the Native Americans. 


The surgeon deep in concentration (with a bit of sweat running from his forehead), reached for a bundle of the bark. He had learned through experience and necessity that this bark, discovered and used by the Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived, held a secret to healing. It wasn’t just a remedy for digestive stress, as the settlers had quickly discovered; it was also a crucial tool in the operating room. The slippery elm’s inner bark, with its unique gel-like mucilage, was an ideal material to help control the fluid that spilled from the patient’s wound, similar to gauze. As the surgeon carefully packs the delicate incision, the absorbent, soft substance provides internal padding which reduces the risk of infection. 


A Surgeons Tool

This practice rooted in Indigenous wisdom, was not only effective but also well-documented in medical sources, such as its listing as a household remedy in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1820 to 1960, as well as The American Journal of Surgery in the 1940s, which noted its significant role in early surgeries. Though eventually replaced by more modern materials, the use of slippery elm bark in these early procedures underscored the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the era’s practitioners. In the dim light of that surgical room, the tree’s humble bark became a symbol of survival, bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and the evolving knowledge of the operating room. 


Before the arrival of European settlers, Native American tribes such as the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Algonquin had already discovered the healing powers of the bark of slippery elm trees. The inner bark was carefully harvested, dried, and ground into powder for use in treating a variety of ailments. This versatile remedy is most famously known to ease digestive issues, soothe sore throats, and treat skin irritations. In addition to its practical issues, the slippery elm also held spiritual significance for many tribes. They believed the tree could communicate with the spirit world, offering guidance and protection, further elevating its status as a healing gift of nature. 


Bioactive Compounds

The medicinal benefits of slippery elm lie in its mucilage, as it absorbs water and becomes gel like. When consumed, this mucilage acts as a demulcent, forming a protective layer over irritated mucous membranes in the digestive system, throat, and respiratory tract. It has long been used to soothe conditions like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sore throats, offering relief through its protective and soothing properties. 


Studies have confirmed slippery elm’s effectiveness in managing digestive issues. A study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that slippery elm’s mucilage creates a barrier that helps alleviate heartburn and symptoms of GERD, offering a natural alternative to over-the-counter antacids.  Additionally, its bioactive compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. One important note is that if you are taking slippery elm powder in a capsule, it has the potential of slowing the absorption of other drugs, hence it is usually recommended to take slippery elm hours before or after other medications.

 

Slippery Elm and Cancer

In addition to its digestive and respiratory benefits, slippery elm has gained attention for its potential role in cancer treatment. A notable historical application of the tree’s bark is in Essiac tea, a formula developed by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse in the 1920s. Essiac tea, a blend of burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb root, was used by Caisse to treat cancer patients, and many anecdotal reports suggest that it helped reduce tumor size and alleviate symptoms. A fun fact is that the word Essiac is actually her name Caisse spelled backwards.


Research on slippery elm’s individual role in cancer treatment is still in its early stages. However, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it may support overall health during cancer treatment. Martindale: A Complete Drug Reference outlines that compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids may play a role in reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to cancer progression and metastasis. While more studies are needed, slippery elm’s legacy as a cancer-fighting supportive herb endures, thanks to its long history of medicinal use. 


Drink Herbal Tea! A Loving Suggestion

So as you know, I’m the “tea lady”, which is funny because none of our best-selling High Tech Healing premium loose leaf tea blends are true teas- they are all herbal blends, which is why every month I focus on highlighting different herbs. Herbs are my passion, and sharing these historical and medicinal benefits are my joy, and a way that I have found that the general public is able to easily receive this joy and passion is through the form of a cup of tea. So it is only right that I outline the way to steep this legendary herb, Slippery Elm Bark, which is also one of the main features in our Trust Your Gut blend… 


In preparing any sort of tea you will be using about 1 teaspoon per cup. In the case of slippery elm, if you would like to get the maximum access to its benefits, the powdered format is the best (and we in fact use the powdered version in Trust Your Gut). Steeping this blend for about 5-12 minutes to allow the mucilaginous properties of the tea to coat the throat and digestive tract, offering relief from sore throats, digestive upset, and even mild coughs.  It is the absorption of water that this bark is able to obtain in its slippery manner. The benefits include both soluble and insoluble fiber. Its most notable property as a mucilage is soluble, however if you ingest the herb whole you will get the insoluble parts of fiber which provide bulk that supports digestion. The interesting part of the slippery manner that happens when adding water to this bark is that it is both soluble and insoluble fiber. It’s most notable mucilage is soluble, while if you ingest the herb whole you will get the bulking agent as an insoluble fiber. So try it as a tea or try it as a shot (drink it before it gets too bulky, and wash it down with lots of extra water)!


We are deeply grateful for the enduring gift of slippery elm bark, cherished through generations and rooted in tradition. May its legacy inspire you to explore its gentle support for yourself.


Visit us High Tech Healing at the Downtown Summerlin Saturday farmers market every week (two stalls down from Pahrump Honey), or online at www.hightechhealing.org



Oct 5

5 min read

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