Native American “tree bark” COOLS IBS
When most people hear irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), they assume it’s an occasional stomach ache that may lead to an inconvenient bathroom trip.
But IBS goes way beyond the occasional toilet trouble!
Sure, frequent diarrhea, constipation, and gas are all hallmark symptoms of IBS that keep you tethered to your toilet.
But more severe symptoms like rectal bleeding, difficulty swallowing, unexplained vomiting, and even anemia (which is a severe iron deficiency) can also occur.
Most doctors treat IBS with HARSH over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives, fiber supplements, or stool softeners that take forever to kick in.
And if your IBS is really bad, your doc may prescribe a pharmaceutical-grade drug.
But, overdoing it on these remedies can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, vital mineral deficiencies, and could even result in permanent damage to your digestive system.
Talk about high risk, low reward!
But here’s the GOOD news…
Thanks to the healing powers of a cooling Native American “tree bark” you don’t have to lose another SECOND to disruptive gut issues …
The slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree native to the central and eastern portions of the United States. It’s distinguished by its dark brown – almost ‘reddish’ brown – bark and can grow upwards of 80 feet.
When the inside of the bark is mixed with water, it generates a sticky material known as mucilage, which is therapeutic – almost ‘cooling’ – to anything it touches.
Even Native American tribes would use slippery elm bark as a remedy for many ailments, like fevers, wounds, and sore throats. It was so ‘cooling’ they even used it to help keep their stockpiles of meat from spoiling!
Now, in terms of digestive health, slippery elm bark is classified as a demulcent – meaning it helps soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines by reducing irritation.
Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents, which play a role in proper stool formation.
And if you suffer from IBS, ‘normal’ stool is often hard to come by. One day it’s like water… and the next day it’s hard as a rock.
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But studies have found that slippery elm helps improve stool consistency – in both cases.
Now, luckily for you, you don’t have to go tree hunting to find slippery elm (though depending on where you live, you may have some growing near you).
The bark of the slippery elm is dried and powdered and can be found in tablets, capsules, lozenges, and even fine powders that can be used to make slippery elm tea.
You probably won’t find slipper elm on the shelves of your local pharmacy, but plenty of health food and vitamin stores carry it, usually for less than $5 per bottle.
If you’re taking any medications to treat IBS, be sure talk to your doctor before supplementing with slippery elm – and to stick with the recommended dosage from the manufacturer.
To better bowel movements,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
Pletcher, Peggy. “The Therapeutic Capabilities of Slippery Elm Bark.” https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/slippery-elm-bark#Whats-It-Used-For
Bolen, Barbara. “Natural Remedies for IBS.” https://www.verywellhealth.com/herbs-and-natural-remedies-for-ibs-1944988
Mayo Clinic. “Irritable bowel syndrome.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. “What is Laxative Abuse?” https://www.rosewoodranch.com/laxative-abuse-treatment
