Let's talk Slippery Elm Powder

Looking to add this to my colitis cocktail as I have been hearing good things.  So for those who use/used this...

-how has it helped?

-how do you drink it and when?

-what brand do you like (can we say that on here?)

-Finally, can I still take my metamucil while taking this?  I think Slippery Elm is fiber"ish" too so want opinions.

Thanks all!

B

I also purchased 1lb of the loose powder (ulmus fulva) but I see that the caps I have are ulmus rubra.  I wonder if there is a significant difference?    

I've been using organic slippery elm bark powder - and it's great.

When I was flaring I used to use it 3 x per day. Now, I just use it once a day. It's nature's mesalamine. I put about 1 1/2 teaspoon of the powder in a little water (1-2 ounces) , and then immediately add my VSL #3 to it, and with my spoon mash it against the glass to smooth out the lumps into as much of a  gelatinous drink as possible. If it get too lumpy because I have let it sit too long, then I just add a little more water to it.

I get it from Pacific Botanicals in Oregon, and it's pretty cheap, around $20 for 1 lb, but since they have a mininum I always get 2 lbs, which lasts a good 9 months to a year (I keep it refrigerated).

Let me know how you make out.

You're welcome.

Yes, I believe you can boil it, but then you dilute it and you dilute its effectiveness in terms of using it as a "mesalamine equivalent".

I've never used it as a tea. IMO, if you want to use it as a mesalamine equivalent and get the most effectiveness from that usage, I would suggest you do it with the VSL#3 in just a little water - the reason being as you are drinking it down it will coat the whole alimentary canal.

And if you like it enough, you could always experiment with making it into a tea as an additional step, no?

As far as the fiber issue, I would suggest that you use it for a few days and see how it goes before adding metamucil. I don't believe it acts as a fiber.

But if you want a healthy fiber which also is nutrient dense, loaded with essential minerals, and omega 3's, I would suggest chia seeds.

But remember only try things one at a time, because if you try too many new items at the same time, you won't know which is helping you or alternatively which if you're getting a reaction is the culprit.

Let me know how you make out.

BTW, Pacific botanicals also sells organic chia seeds.

Rose Mountain is a good product too. I believe they have chia seeds and maca powder also - and all organic.

I hope you get good results from the slippery elm powder,  I think it's a wonderful product and much healthier alternative to the mesalamine pills.

As far as the chia seeds are concerned, I use them in 2 different ways: I add about a tablespoon to my protein whey shake (along with a bunch of other stuff, I found a great recipe online called Morning Glory Shake), and then I also prepare the chia seeds by adding lots of water to them and they get fat by absorbing the water, let them sit overnight, then I cut them in cubes and fry them in a little butter (BTW, did you know butter has essential butyrate in it which is essential for the colonic repair?) making the outer layers of the cubes crunchy just for a few min, and it tastes great - you can salt it, add cinamon to it, or even chocolate as a treat.

Sorry for rambling on here...

Yes, please let me know how you make out with the slippery elm powder.

Yes, it's much  more effective IMHO than all the mesalamines and it has no side effects, and it's cheap!

Keep us posted please.

I was bothered that it is thought to stimulate mucus production in addition to coating, because excess mucous is one of my main complaints.

Also, another caution:

"Slippery elm has no serious side effects. Because it coats the digestive tract, it may slow down the absorption of other drugs or herbs. You should take slippery elm 2 hours before or after other herbs or medications you may be taking.

Scientists think slippery elm is safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, but no scientific studies have been done to confirm this. In fact, some herbalists believe that slippery elm can cause miscarriage. The outer bark of the elm tree may contain substances that could increase the risk of miscarriage, so sometimes pregnant women are advised to avoid slippery elm"

- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/slippery-elm-000274.htm

hateuc said...
Insofla, I def. will. I am hoping it will arrive in the next few days. I am not doing too badly UC wise (knock wood- I hope I didn't just jinx it) but I am starting to taper off of the steroid supps so we will see. I am hoping that the slippery elm will really clench it! Story to be continued........

Thanks again!
B