Slippery Elm Bark: Uses, Benefits & How to Take - A Comprehensive Guide

Slippery elm bark is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in North America. Its use began with Native Americans who used it to treat a variety of problems including cough, sore throat, stomach disorders and diarrhea. According to the University of Maryland, it is sometimes suggested as a treatment for Crohn's disease and gastroesophogeal reflux disease, or GERD.

Things You'll Need

• Tea pot or sauce pan
• Coffee or tea cup
• Powdered slippery elm bark
• -or-
• Slippery elm bark capsules or tablets

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Instructions

Making Tea

• 1

  Boil water in a teapot or sauce pan.

• 2

  Put two tablespoons of powdered slippery elm bark in a coffee or tea cup and steep for three to five minutes, stirring once or twice. Let cool until drinkable.

• 3

  Drink the mixture and repeat up to three times per day.

• 4

  If you're taking capsules or tablets, take 300 mg to 500 mg with a glass of water four to five times daily.