As its name suggests, Slippery Elm tea is famous for how sticky, slimy, and rubbery it gets; but what many people don’t know is that it is an excellent herbal remedy for psoriasis! Since I started drinking it, my psoriasis has never been better, but why does it help me?

First of all, a little about its history. Native to eastern North America, Slippery Elm is a deciduous tree with small green leaves and inner bark that is worth its weight in gold.

The first to recognize its medicinal properties were the Native Americans, who discovered that mixing the inner bark with water created a sticky, gelatinous substance that expanded and became a thick salve. This is because the inner bark contains mucilage. They tried rubbing it on cuts and skin wounds and lo and behold, they were healed. They also found that when it dried and hardened, it acted like a natural bandage.

Over time, English settlers noticed how the Native Americans used the tree and began applying the mixture themselves. They rubbed it on cold sores and boils to prevent them from becoming infected. It was even more valuable during the American Revolution, when soldiers used it as an antiseptic gel to treat their wounds during the war! In short, throughout its history it was used to treat skin conditions as well as other ailments, but what does this mean for psoriasis?

Slippery Elm Tea Helps Psoriasis…and There’s PROOF!

In 2004, the Human Nutrition Department of the University of Hawaii conducted a study to see if nutritional therapy can be used to treat psoriasis. As part of the study, they instructed 5 patients with plaque psoriasis to make dietary changes and drink slippery elm tea, and the results were irrefutable! They found that over six months, ALL PATIENTS witnessed improvements in intestinal permeability and psoriasis. On average, before and after PASI scores dropped from 18.2 to 8.7…which translates to a 50% reduction in psoriasis symptoms. I’m sure they were all ecstatic!

Also, aside from the scientific studies, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of testimonials and personal stories that advocate the use of slippery elm bark to treat psoriasis. Two of the most prominent figures who discovered its use for psoriasis include Edgar Cayce, a psychic who gave readings to sick people in the early 20th century, and Dr. Pagano, author of the best-selling book Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. By following the advice of these two people, many psoriasis patients have treated or cured their red, scaly skin.

A delicious slippery elm tea recipe

The best way to use Slippery Elm is to purchase the bark powder. Inner Bark is Best – Don’t settle for Outer Bark capsules, pills or pouches as they are more or less a waste of money. While you can add it to food while preparing a meal, I find that making the following tea 3 times a day is quick and easy:

– For 1 tablespoon slippery elm bark powder in a cup

– Fill with boiling water

– Add a little sweetener (not too much!)

– Add a splash of light coconut milk, almond milk, or goat milk.

– Sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg

– Wait 2-3 minutes

– Take your first sip

This tea may take some getting used to, but it is well worth the effort. It will coat the mucous membranes of your gastrointestinal tract and help it heal from the inside, thus improving your psoriasis on the outside. Slippery Elm is essential if diet is a contributing factor to your psoriasis, so fire up the kettle and make a cup as soon as you can!