Hello Goddess,

Today’s healing herb is so good for you and your hair, I’m pretty sure you’re going to add it to your natural hair regime!

I promise.

Slippery elm bark is referred to as a mucilaginous herb (it makes a lot of mucilage like fenugreek seeds and it’s best friend — marshmallow root powder). This herb is often used to calm an upset stomach, and provide the perfect slip to your diy conditioner.

Don’t tell anyone, but this is the only herb I prefer to drink, rather than apply to my hair.

Gasp. And clutch the pearls.

Here’s Why…

It’s super hydrating to your mind and body, and it’s PACKED with nourishing nutrients that heal at the cellular level.

Slippery Elm is a typically a medium-sized tree, and it’s luscious inner bark is used for medicine. It’s also been used to make boats, baskets, even shelter.

Slippery Elm Bark Benefits:

It soothes ALL inflammation, internally and externally* and is PHENOMENAL for healthy natural hair. Especially the kinky coily goodness of 4C natural hair.

Stimulates hair growth
Calms and heals the digestive tract; combines well with licorice, fennel, and cinnamon*
Excellent for coughs and sore throat**
Naturally softens hair
Coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines
Brings peace and compassion to the body
Soothes the scalp
Its a nervine demulcent, which means it calms, coats, and protects ALL mucous membranes, and inflamed or irritated nerves, and nerve endings in the body*
Draws out all irritants including toxins, boils, and splinters**
Stimulates cell growth**
Hydrates & Harmonizes the Yoni (#4 is Slippery Elm, but the entire list is awesome)

Some of the conditions it’s used to treat:

Psoriasis
Vaginal dryness
Colic
Stress-related conditions
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Anxiety
Urinary tract infections
Autism
Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
Prostate health
Syphilis
Herpes
Constipation
Diarrhea
Expelling tapeworms
Serves as an all-natural substitute for pepto-bismol and nystatin for relief of upset stomach in children (check with your child’s pediatrician first, before using this treatment)
Protects against stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis, GI inflammation, and too much stomach acid

Here are 2 recipes you can make today:

1. Slippery Elm Tea

1 tsp organic slippery elm bark powder (I buy mine from here, 4oz $10.25)
8 ounces of water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 tsp your favorite sweetner (sugar free option: 1 to 2 drops stevia)
Optional* 1 cinnamon bark stick

Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add slippery elm powder and lemon juice to water. Let the powder sit for 5 minutes before drinking.

Me and DJ drink a cup of this tea every morning. Slippery elm powder creates lots of mucilage (like it’s sisters marshmallow root, flaxseeds, and barley).

2. Fenugreek Smoothie

The slippery elm bark in this recipe adds a silky, softness to the recipe that helps your hand glide through your curls as you deep condition or detangle.

WebMD’s Safety Recommendations for Slippery Elm Use:

Slippery elm is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. When applied to the skin, some people can have an allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Folklore says that slippery elm bark can cause a miscarriage when it is inserted into the cervix of a pregnant woman. Over the years, slippery elm got the reputation of being capable of causing an abortion even when taken by mouth. However, there’s no reliable information to confirm this claim. Nevertheless, stay on the safe side and don’t take slippery elm if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Herb Confidential:

Back in the day slippery elm bark was so popular for its nourishing and healing properties, it was sold as a medicinal flour in stores and used for cooking (Rosemary Gladstar).

Sources

*Family Herbal, A Guide To Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality, Rosemary Gladstar
**Slippery Elm, Drugs.com*
***Slippery Elm, University of Maryland Medical Center
Vegan Vagina, Libido, and Keeping It Moist: Creating A Happy Yoni, Dr. Aimee “Breeze” Harper