A Bark That Doesn’t Bite: The Slippery Elm
The eastern part of the United States and Canada is home to a tree species known as the Slippery Elm, which is a type of deciduous tree. The outer bark is quite thick and has a color that is somewhere between pink and brown. The leaves have a lance-like shape, and the surface of the leaves have a sandpaper-like texture and a stickiness to them when you touch them. The part of the tree that is used the most frequently is the inner bark, which is tender and stringy. Powdered Slippery Elm, which can be purchased either loose or in capsule form, is the most user-friendly form of this herb.
You might be wondering why this particular herb is so significant. Herbalists have been using this bark for years because they believe it has many healing properties, including the ability to soothe, produce mucilage, protect the skin, promote healthy functions in the body, and act as an astringent. Both the inside and the outside of the body can benefit from the use of Slippery Elm. It was also one of the herbs that was included in the first recipe for the well-known Essiac tea, which is a herbal tea that is traditionally given to people who have cancer.
The Slippery Elm starts to do its job as soon as it reaches the digestive tract. It acts similarly to Pepto-Bismol in that it calms, coats, and lubricates the mucus membranes that line the digestive tract. This makes it a natural Pepto-Bismol. It is an effective treatment for colitis as well as other conditions that cause inflammation in the bowel. It has a high fiber content and assists in maintaining normal intestinal actions. Surprisingly, it is effective in treating both diarrhea and constipation at the same time.
It is also useful in reducing feelings of sickness and throwing up. As a result of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been found to be effective in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, and cystitis (in the bladder). Slippery elm also contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, calcium, and other trace minerals, all of which can provide benefits to dogs that are recovering from illness and is likely to stay down when other foods are not tolerated. Slippery elm is a good alternative food for dogs when other foods are not tolerated.
The powdered Slippery Elm can be combined with a very small amount of water to create a paste, which can then be shaped into a poultice and applied topically to treat hot spots, insect bites, ulcerations, or skin abrasions. Slippery elm was traditionally used by Native Americans to staunch bleeding. It adheres to wounds naturally and acts as a bandage, but it can be easily cleaned off with water. If the dog is able to get their paws on the wound, applying this treatment might be a little difficult.
As a result of its relatively high magnesium and ash content, Slippery Elm may be contraindicated in the treatment of canine infections characterized by elevated urinary pH levels, which can lead to the formation of struvite crystals. It is recommended that it be taken either several hours before or several hours after other medications in order to maximize its effectiveness. This is due to the fact that it may interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals.
The use of slippery elm is not only inexpensive but would also be an excellent addition to your collection of herbal remedies and preparations. Before giving any kind of herb or supplement to your pet, it is essential to discuss the matter with a trained professional in the field of veterinary medicine.
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