Although germs know no season, the frigid fall and winter months are notorious for a steep increase in colds, coughs, and sore throats. No matter how diligent you may be with hand washing and taking your daily multivitamins, we all struggle with seasonal health challenges. Read on to learn why you should add slippery elm tea to your natural health regimen this season and all year round.
What Is Slippery Elm?
The slippery elm tree, or Ulmus rubra, is native to North America where it thrives naturally from North Dakota to Maine. The bark of this tree contains a compound known as mucilage, which unlocks much of the slippery elm’s medicinal potential. This mucilage becomes a slick gel when mixed with water, which may offer potential health benefits for the human body. Slippery elm has been used for centuries by Native Americans who employed it to treat a number of health conditions such as diarrhea, laryngitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. The gel can also be used to support wound care. Slippery elm is also an herb that is often used to promote throat health in natural teas, cough drops, and supplements.
Herbal Teas Promote Good Health
When you’re down for the count, few things are as soothing or as beneficial as warm bone broth or hot, herbal teas. Keeping your throat warm and moist can make the difference between suffering through a cough and surviving one.
Hydration is important in everyday life but it is essential when warding off seasonal germs and discomfort. Teas made from natural herbs and supplements may be effective at keeping sickness at a distance by enhancing the immune system.
Scientists who studied certain herbal teas concluded that these herbs have the potential to be used in developing natural health products such as lozenges or herbal teas designed for managing pharyngitis with the aim of relieving the complications associated with inflammatory conditions.
A recent article out of Harvard Medical School touts the benefits of a daily cup of tea and cites research that shows drinking tea for health can ease digestion, support heart health, and may support a healthy immune system. Here are a few slippery elm tea products you should try in particular.
Slippery Elm Tea To Try
If you’re ready to give slippery elm a try, Natural Healthy Concepts offers a host of products ready to ship free to all domestic locations in the U.S. For a natural detox tea, check out Daily Detox II Decaf Green Tea by Wellements. This herbal tea contains organic herbs of dandelion, slippery elm, and burdock that support a natural cleanse and detox. Likewise, Ojibwa Herbal Cleansing Tea from NOW Foods is a caffeine-free immune system supportive tea based on a traditional herbal remedy that was formulated and used by the North American Ojibwa Indian Tribe.
For slippery elm supplements, try Slippery Elm from Oregon’s Wild Harvest, which is available in liquid form and can be added to warm water to create a warm, soothing tea. If you’re looking for a way to use slippery elm on the go as you ease back into work after fighting a cold, check out Thayer’s Slippery Elm Lozenges. These cough drops, which come in a delicious cherry flavor, may help soothe your throat with the natural, coating properties of slippery elm bark.
Have you tried slippery elm tea? Share your experience in the comments section below.
