Soothing Slippery Elm Tea Recipes and Benefits for Digestive Health

Soothing and Healing: Our Favorite Slippery Elm Tea Recipes

Slippery elm bark has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat digestive issues and other inflammatory conditions. The bark contains mucilage, a substance that turns into a slick gel when mixed with water. This gel coats and soothes the digestive tract, making slippery elm a useful natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues.

One of the most popular ways to take slippery elm is in tea form. The mucilaginous tea is very mild tasting and easy to incorporate into your routine. Read on for more about the benefits of slippery elm tea as well as some easy recipes to try.

The Benefits of Slippery Elm Tea

Research shows that slippery elm tea may help:

• Relieve constipation by bulking up stools and improving intestinal flow
• Soothe stomach inflammation from gastritis or ulcers
• Reduce diarrhea by thickening digestive fluids
• Improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Heal respiratory inflammation associated with bronchitis or sore throat
• Calm coughs by coating and protecting sore throat tissues

The mucilage in slippery elm forms a slick barrier that lines the digestive tract, providing symptom relief. The antioxidants and nutrients in the bark may also contribute to its anti-inflammatory abilities.

How to Make Basic Slippery Elm Tea

It’s simple to make a basic slippery elm bark tea using just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark
• 2 cups water
• Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Boil 2 cups filtered water in a small pot.
2. Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of dried slippery elm bark. Cover and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
3. Strain the bark pieces out and stir in honey or lemon if desired.
4. Drink warm. Can be enjoyed 2-3 times daily as needed.

Be sure to get 100% pure dried slippery elm bark powder or pieces. The tea has a mild, slightly woody taste. Add some honey or lemon to boost the flavor if you’d like.

Slippery Elm and Licorice Root Tea for Sore Throat

This tea combines the soothing powers of slippery elm with the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root for fast throat relief:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark
• 1 teaspoon dried licorice root
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the slippery elm bark, licorice root, cinnamon, and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and strain out the bark and roots.
4. Stir in honey if desired. Drink warm to soothe throat pain and coughing.

The licorice root gives this tea a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor. It works together with the slippery elm to tackle respiratory inflammation for fast relief.

Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root Tea for Ulcers

Marshmallow root contains mucilage just like slippery elm. This makes an extra soothing tea to coat the digestive tract from ulcers:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark
• 1 tablespoon dried marshmallow root
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1⁄2 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Place the dried herbs in a mug or teapot.
2. Pour 1 cup boiling water over them and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into another cup, discarding the herbs.
4. Add 1⁄2 cup cold water and honey if desired. Drink chilled for stomach relief.

The combo of marshmallow root and slippery elm makes a very thick, gel-like tea that thoroughly coats and protects irritated stomach and intestinal tissues.

Mint and Ginger Slippery Elm Tea for Nausea

Settle queasy stomachs with this aromatic slippery elm tea blended with mint and ginger:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark
• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 1⁄2 cups water

Directions:

1. In a small pot, combine the slippery elm, peppermint, ginger, and water.
2. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to brew.
3. Strain out the herbs and sip the tea slowly. Can be served hot or chilled.

The menthol in peppermint and the zing of ginger help calm nausea symptoms. The bark tackles any intestinal irritation that may be causing queasiness or vomiting.

Recipes for Slippery Elm Bark Poultices

You can also make poultices from the gel-like mixture created by slippery elm powder and water. Simply spread the poultice on the skin or affected area. Here are some poultice remedies:

Boils and Abscesses:

• Mix 2 tbsp powder with just enough hot water to make a thick paste.
• Apply to the boil as a warm compress for 10-15 minutes.
• Do 3 times daily to help draw out infection.

Skin Inflammation or Rashes:

• Stir together 1 tbsp powder with a bit of hot water.
• Once thickened, spread on rashes or poison ivy as a soothing bandage.
• Cover with gauze and leave on for a few hours, reapplying 2-3 times daily.

Minor Wounds or Burns:

• Make a runny paste with 1 tsp powder and hot water.
• Coat the wound with the mucilage to protect and facilitate healing.
• Cover with a wrap and repeat 1-2 times daily as needed.

The poultice uses the skin-protecting mucilage of slippery elm to speed up healing and provide relief.

Choosing a Quality Slippery Elm Supplement

When purchasing slippery elm powder or bark for tea or poultices, be sure to choose a high quality supplement. Here’s what to look for:

• Made from Ulmus rubra bark - This is the true slippery elm species containing beneficial mucilage.
• 100% pure powder or bark - No fillers, additives, or other ingredients.
• Organic and sustainably wildcrafted - This ensures minimal chemical exposure during growth.
• Proper processing methods - Steam sterilization preserves constituents better than harsh methods.
• Good manufacturing practices - Look for GMP certification to ensure quality and purity.

Be wary of cheap supplements, as inferior processing can damage or contaminate the beneficial compounds in slippery elm bark. Purchase from reputable brands for the best medicinal benefits.

Recommended Dosage and Safety Precautions

Most people can safely consume moderate amounts of slippery elm tea or poultices when used in the short term. Typical dosing guidelines include:

• Tea - Steep 1-3 teaspoons bark powder per cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes.
• Capsules - 400-500 mg up to 3 times daily.
• Lozenges - 200-500 mg, allowed to dissolve in mouth slowly.
• Poultice - Mix 1-2 tablespoons powder with enough hot water to form a paste and apply topically.

When using slippery elm, keep these precautions in mind:

• Avoid large doses for prolonged periods, as safety is unknown.
• May inhibit absorption of certain medications if taken simultaneously.
• Could cause skin irritation in those allergic to elm trees.
• Not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Check with your doctor before using slippery elm, especially if you take any medications or have a chronic health condition.

Incorporate Soothing Slippery Elm Tea Into Your Routine

Give slippery elm bark tea a try if you deal with digestive troubles, sore throats, or other inflammatory issues. Sip the mild, gel-like tea throughout the day for relief. The herb’s soothing mucilage coats and protects irritated tissues to aid healing.

Experiment with different ingredient combinations like licorice, ginger, cinnamon, or mint to craft your own custom slippery elm tea blends. Just be sure to get high quality organic bark powder from a reputable supplier.

Drink slippery elm tea regularly to harness its gut-healing and anti-inflammatory powers. But be sure to check with your doctor first if you take medications or have any health concerns.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.