Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is a safe and effective treatment for healing inflamed mucous membranes, particularly in the gut. It literally is "slippery", when mixed with water forms a "mucilaginous" coating that soothes & protects the lining of internal organs, particularly the gastrointestinal system but is also effective for the respiratory & urinary systems. The pink-brown powder is harvested from the inner bark of the Red Elm tree (native to North America)& has a long history of traditional use. 

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Actions:

• Mucilaginous properties form a protective coating along the bowel lining

• Demulcent allows soothing & healing of inflamed membranous tissues

• Allows regeneration of gut tissues and decreases the pain of inflamed gut cells.

• Draws out toxins & irritants in gut contents.

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The Science:

• In horses, gastrointestinal ulceration is generally controlled by reducing, controlling or inhibition of acid production. (e.g. Ranitidine; Omeprazole). Whilst very effective, the products are not responsible for direct healing of the tissues.

• Sucralfate is a substance that binds to the mucosal lining, providing protection & healing of the gut tissue as it is not affected by the acids. Slippery Elm has physiochemical characteristics similar to Sucralfate; unlike Sucralfate, Slippery Elm is organic. Their effects not only help heal damaged gut but decrease associated pain.

• Studies on ulcer related colic and diarrhoea have shown an 80% response to treatment just with Slippery Elm

• Slippery Elm has been shown to be effective as a single therapeutic agent to treat the pain of ulcers & related colic & diarrhoea.

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Problems with use of acid prevention products can be:

•  Omeprazole should be given on an EMPTY stomach half an hour before feeding. Lack of         compliance to this requirement can lead to loss of efficacy of the product.

•  Inhibition of normal acid production may affect levels of Calcium & Vitamin B.

• High Cost - Omeprazole etc can be very expensive to feed continually.

• Inconsistent use - due to high cost of Omeprazole, horse owners may resort to only occasional use which will decrease any benefits of use due to recurrence of ulcers in periods of non-medication.

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SLIPPERY ELM IS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN OUR DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:

EQUINE GUTPRO AND CANINE DOGPRO. ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SINGLE FEED SUPPLEMENT.

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 Benefits to Horses:

• Assist the healing & prevention of gastric ulcers; is unaffected by stomach acid.

• Assist in treating diarrhoea & foal scouring.

• Prevent inappetance & food avoidance.

• Assist in treatment of ulcer pain (colic) and diarrhoea.

• Use in aftercare of illness, diarrhoea, disease and post-op. Check with our vet in severe cases of after surgery.

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Benefits to Dogs:

• Effective treatment, along with probiotics, to control and settle diarrhoea

• Decrease absorption of allergens and toxins.

• By healing inflamed gastrointestinal tissues we can prevent "Leaky Gut" syndrome. 

• Improved gut health leads to improved skin conditions and overall health.

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Preparations:

• HoneyPro Vet GutPro for horses; DogPro for dogs and dispensed in individual packs.

• Mix with Chamomile Tea to make a soothing slurry, simply mix and add to feed.

• Slippery Elm is readily accepted by all animals in our preparations, mixed into their feed.

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References:

Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Vol. Vol. 5(2), pp. 32-40, February, 2013

https://ker.com/equinews/omeprazole-and-calcium-digestibility-what-horse-owners-should-know/

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