Slippery Elm for Babies

Slippery elm, also referred to as Ulmus fulva, is an herb that has been used in North American remedies for centuries. According to the Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center, slippery elm was used by Native Americans in salves used to heal wounds, burns, boils, skin inflammation and ulcers. In present day, the herb is taken orally to treat stomach problems, diarrhea and to relieve sore throats and coughing. Slippery elm is also a popular herbal treatment for common conditions in babies such as colic and diaper rash.

Significance

• Slippery elm contains mucilage, which according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turns into a slick gel if combined with water and is soothing to the mouth, throat and intestines. Slippery elm also contains antioxidants that provide relief for inflammatory bowel problems. Slippery elm also triggers stimulation of gastrointestinal-tract nerve endings, which causes an increase in mucus secretions. The increased production of mucus is thought to protect the gastrointestinal tract from excess acidity conditions and ulcers.

Identification

• The University of Maryland Medical Center states that slippery elm is a native North American tree that can grow more than 50 feet in height. The tree grows red-brown or orange branches that form an open crown, growing downward, with stalkless flowers that develop in dense clusters. The leaves of the tree are long and green, darkening during the fall. The bark has a gummy texture with deep fissures that emit a slight, yet marked odor.

Uses

• The inner bark of Slippery Elm is dried, powdered and used in tablets, capsules and lozenges for medicinal purposes. Finely powdered slippery elm is used for making extracts and teas while coarsely powdered bark is used for poultices.

Benefits

• The University of Maryland Medical Center affirms that slippery elm leaves can be boiled to make tea to soothe babies digestive systems and colic problems. You may also combine the powdered bark with water to make a gruel, similar to thin oatmeal, for your baby to eat. The powdered form of the herb may also be used as traditional baby powder to treat diaper rash conditions. Dr. Karl Smith of University Chiropractics states that slippery elm powder is beneficial for reducing skin inflammation such as diaper rashes and can be combined with water to make a paste for treatment.

Considerations

• The University of Maryland Medical Center states that scientific research on slippery elm is limited, but the herb is thought to also treat Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Warning

• Check with your pediatrician before using slippery elm or any other type of herbal treatment to treat any condition. Herbs and herbal concoctions may cause adverse side effects that can be potentially life threatening.