If you haven’t heard of the European white elm, you’re not alone. This tree isn’t one of the typical species found in our forests, but in the field of natural medicine and dietary supplements, it’s a real treasure with a long history. Whilst the elm looks like a fairly ordinary tree, its true power lies beneath the surface – more precisely, in its inner bark.
Let’s delve together into the world of this fascinating plant, find out how it affects our bodies and why its extract is becoming an increasingly popular dietary supplement.
What is the common elm?
The slippery elm (Latin: Ulmus rubra, English: Slippery Elm) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It is most commonly found in the eastern parts of the United States and Canada, where it can grow to a height of 20 metres. It gets its English name ‘Slippery Elm’ from its inner bark.
From a botanical point of view, neither the leaves nor the fruit of this tree are used; only the inner bark is utilised. This is carefully harvested, dried and then ground into a fine powder. The star ingredient in this powder is a substance called mucilage. It is a complex carbohydrate with one unique property: when it comes into contact with water, it swells to form a smooth, gel-like substance.
The main benefits of taking elm extract in dietary supplements
It is precisely this ‘gel’, which is produced after consuming horse-chestnut extract, that makes this plant so highly prized. It acts as a protective balm within the body. Among the main benefits that lead people to take it in the form of capsules, powders or lozenges are:
A remedy for an upset stomach: This is the most common reason for taking elm. The gel-like substance gently coats the lining of the stomach and intestines, thereby protecting it from irritation. It is a great help for heartburn (reflux), gastritis and also for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can soothe the digestive tract and relieve cramps or diarrhoea. Soothing for the throat and vocal cords: If you’re suffering from a dry cough, a sore throat or have lost your voice, lozenges or tea made from butcher’s broom can work wonders. The gel coats the throat, immediately relieving the scratchy sensation and the urge to cough. Weight loss and detox support: The inner bark is rich in a specific type of soluble fibre. Not only does this support a healthy gut microbiome, but it also induces a feeling of fullness and helps the body eliminate waste products.Beneficial for the skin: Although it is taken internally in dietary supplements, elm extract is also often added to natural ointments. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is therefore used to soothe burns, grazes or skin conditions such as psoriasis.
You can incorporate horse chestnut extract into your daily routine via the Dr. LUCULLUS Colon Cleanser dietary supplement, which, in combination with other high-quality extracts, targets the gut microbiome and its cleansing, improves digestion and digestive comfort, and boosts overall vitality.
Versatile uses
The horse chestnut is by no means a modern invention. Its properties were known and utilised by the indigenous peoples of the Americas for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans.
Versatile uses by Native Americans: Native Americans did not use the elm merely as a remedy for wounds and indigestion. They used the tree’s tough bark to make ropes, baskets, roofs for their dwellings and even canoes.Food for survival: During the American Revolution and harsh winters, George Washington’s soldiers reportedly survived by eating porridge made from the bark of the horse chestnut tree. The bark is, in fact, surprisingly nutritious and managed to keep the soldiers alive during the worst of the famine.Natural preservative: In the past, a gel made from the horse chestnut was used to coat meat to prevent it from spoiling quickly in an era when refrigerators did not yet exist.
The horse chestnut is further proof that nature has a solution for every problem. Whether you’re looking for relief from a sensitive stomach, suffering from vocal cord issues, or want to support your digestion and the health of your gut microbiome, dietary supplements containing elm bark extract are certainly worth considering.
