Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) is a small to medium sized tree native to North America. It has uses both as a nutritional food and a herbal medicine.
Slippery elm is a highly nutritious wholesome food product. The bark of the Slippery elm, contains mucilage which is a soothing nutritional food, similar in texture to oatmeal and rich in nutrients. Slippery elm is very easy to digest and can be tolerated when other foods can’t. It is, therefore, an ideal food during times of digestive discomfort and for those recovering from illness and is considered a “survival food”. The Slippery elm powder can be mixed with water to make a highly nutritious and soothing gruel for children and for sick people of any age. It is good for babies as a nutritive and also benefits those babies who are unable to digest milk products. The bark's high mucilage content is composed of easily digested, non-toxic, complex carbohydrates. Slippery elm Bark also contains beta-sitosterol, campestrol, tannin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene and Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and C.
Slippery elm is also an effective herbal remedy which has been used for centuries. The inner bark has important medicinal value and is an official drug of the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Slippery elm is also used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. As with all herbal remedies, do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a medical practitioner.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_elm
