Slippery Elm Bark Porridge
WF DF GF SF VEG VG
Yields 2-3 cups
Slippery elm (Ulmas rubra) is a deciduous tree that is native to North America, growing primarily in the eastern and central United States and eastern Canada. The name “slippery” elm comes from the texture of the herb and its mucilage content within the inner bark. This gives it a demulcent or soothing effect. It began as a traditional remedy among Native Americans. They utilized the mucilaginous inner bark for intestinal complaints, fevers, and as a poultice for wounds and boils. Later in history early colonists began using it as well. Midwives utilized it as a lubricant to ease child-birth, it became a food during times of famine, and was essential in wound dressings during the Revolutionary War.
Slippery elm not only provides a soothing and healing effect on all the tissues that it comes into contact with, but it is also highly nutritious, providing a nutritive tonic to the body. When the body is in a weakened state, this is quite beneficial and aids in healing even further. In the process of healing, slippery elm helps draw out toxins from the body, aids the body in the expulsion of mucus, and calms down inflammation. It’s extensive properties give it a broad array of uses. Taken internally, it can soothe multiple gastrointestinal complaints, such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcers (both within the stomach and intestinal tract)
- Diarrhea
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) or indigestion
It can also be used for recurrent urinary tract infections or cystitis, and has been used to ease lung and bronchial conditions, such as laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Ingredients
2 (heaping) tablespoons Slippery elm Powder
200 ml water
1 cup nut milk*
1 scoop plant-based protein (like the Happy Gut Cleanse Shake )
1 tablespoon collagen powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons sulfite-free shredded coconut flakes (optional)**
3 oz. berries (of your choice: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries)
Step 1
Combine the slippery elm powder with the water in a small saucepan on medium heat and stir until it reaches a thickened porridge-like consistency.
Step 2
Mix or blend the nut milk with the protein powder until a smooth consistency and then add it to the porridge.
Step 3
Add the collagen powder and cinnamon right after the milk. Gently stir until it is well mixed.
Step 4
Then remove from the heat and scoop into a serving bowl.
Step 5
Add the coconut flakes and berries.
*This recipe was modified from a basic slippery elm porridge so that it incorporates a healthy dose of protein and fat in order to keep you full, making it perfect for breakfast.
Additional Tips:
- You can add less milk if you would like it to be a thicker consistency.
- If you don’t want to incorporate the protein powder, you might consider adding more collagen, which will help to heal the gut lining.
- You can also experiment with the spices, adding more cinnamon or using vanilla bean instead, which would also compliment the malty flavor of the slippery elm. Additionally, vanilla bean can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing the inflammation reducing properties of the porridge.
Contributed by Team Member: Jamie Kyei-Frimpong, FNP
