Slippery Elm is a small tree native to North America. The bark is harvested from the tree in the early spring and the outer bark is scraped off, leaving the mucilage-rich inner bark. The soothing mucilage is used in ointments, poultices, throat lozenges and skin care products.*

Herbalist value a tea made from infusing the inner barks as Nature's gentle demulcent, or herb that provides needed moisture to mucous membranes and the digestive tract.* With its sweet taste, it has also been traditionally used to nourish patients whose systems have been depleted by illness or exertion.* The tea and lozenges made from the bark provide soothing relief to sore throats and mild digestive complaints.* A sweetened custard made from egg, sweetened warm milk, and slippery elm bark powder was recommended by early American herbalists as a sleep aid and restorative tonic.*