Parts used: Inner bark Properties Antacid, antineoplastic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, mucilant, nutritive Primary nutrients Calcium, copper, iodine, iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, vitamins A, F, K and P, zinc Slippery elm contains as much nutrition as oatmeal and provides a wholesome and sustaining food for young children and invalids. Slippery elm has been used mainly to treat gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, soothing the stomach and colon, indigestion, acidity, and to lubricate the bowels. The mucilage content is thought to help heal ulcers and ulcerated conditions. It was used for asthma, bronchitis, colitis, colon problems, and all lung problems. It is a mild purgative, aiding in elimination. Studies done on slippery elm have found it to be an excellent demulcent and beneficial for diarrhea, coughs, stomach problems, colitis and lung problems. The bark of slipper elm contains mucilage that swells in water and can be applied to wounds or taken internally to soothe and heal. Some lozenges for throat irritations contain the powdered bark to soothe the throat and promote healing.