Herbs: Slippery Elm

"What the heck is slippery elm?" is the normal response when I mention this herb.  While it is an uncommon herb, it is a very useful one.

Slippery elm comes from the inner bark of the elm tree, Ulmus rubra.  It is harvested, dried and then powdered.  Unfortunately, the harvesting does damage the tree and if not done correctly, the harvesting will kill the tree.  Commercially, slippery elm comes in bulk powder (the form I use) or as capsules of dried powder.  I know it also comes in tablets, syrup, and lozenges, but I have never tried any of these forms.

Slippery elm, as its name implies, is 'slippery'.  I mix the powder with water, gently cook it, and allow it to cool to form a gelatine-like substance.  The basic recipe is 1 teaspoon of powder in 1/2 cup of water in a small sauce pan and stir. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. Let cool. Give 1 tsp of cooled syrup 1/2 hour before a meal. Cover and refrigerate the rest. (It will be okay for about 7 days.)  It has a earthy smell and taste which some cats do like enough to eat off a spoon.

For other forms of slippery elm, the 1/8 tsp of the powder can be mixed with food, but added water is also needed.  (1/8 tsp is about 1 capsule.)  Most cats do not object to it being added to food.

So what is this stuff good for?  I use it mainly to coat the intestinal tract when it's upset.  Specifically, when  a cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, slippery elm soothes the intestines and helps return the intestines to normal function.  It will not stop diarrhea, but will calm the intestines so that the need for the diarrhea is removed.  (Most diarrhea is caused by something irritating the intestines.)  It also has the appropriate carbohydrates to encourage 'good' bacterial growth in the intestines and can be used as a stool softener.

Other than intestinal problems, another good use is for CRF cats with mouth ulcers.  The slippery elm coats the mouth and makes the ulcers less sore, so a cat will eat.  Obviously, the slippery elm must be given as a decoction, and not mixed in with the food.

Slippery elm is also reported to help with urinary tract infections and open skin wounds.  I have never tried it for these problems because I use other herbs for these problems which I believe would work better.

Herbs: Echinacea

As you may have noticed, I do use various herbs when treating or supplementing my cats.  I know most traditional Western veterinarians scoff at the effectiveness of herbs in treating serious diseases and medical conditions.  I also know, based on first-hand observations, herbs can be a powerful tool to restore health to a cat.

One of the most common, and unfortunately now one that is widely touted, herbs is echinacea.  Echinacea usually refers to the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) but can also refer to several closely related species of echinacea, each with varying degrees of medicinal properties.  The plant grows naturally on the prairies and scrublands of the US, but as it has a pretty purple flower, it's now grown as an ornamental.

Echinacea has been used by many people, including Native Americans, to help fight infections.  While echinacea does not kill bacteria or viruses directly, it does strengthen the immune system to attack these 'germs'.  And it does work.  Isabel, my silver Persian, has had a runny nose lately, probably from a chronic sinus infection.  So, for about a week, I have been adding drops of echinacea to her food.  That's really all I have changed and now, her nose is clearing.  While this may be a coincidence in some people's view, I have seen this occur with other problems -- from URI to abscesses.  For infections, this is a great herb to use.

But there is the problem -- it does work.  And if it works on one thing, then there are people that suggest it to be used on everything!  I've seen claims that it will cure ringworm, cancer, and even stud tail in cats.  I personally think it might help, but I doubt it would cure any of those three without some other medicine.  Echinacea's effects are noticeable, but with very serious infections or diseases, it generally does not seem strong enough on it's own.  Still, if you look in a grocery store, there it will be.

Unfortunately, what is in the grocery store may not be the most helpful.  The cheap, common version is powdered leaves and stems compressed into a tablet.  There's two problems:  First, the buyer has little way of knowing how much active herb is in the tablet.  Second, leaves are considered less potent.  From my readings and my own use, it's the roots which are the most effective.  And they are the most effective as an extract in alcohol.  The glycerate form is fine and a bit more palatable to cats, but does spoil quicker. (Extracts can remain usable for over 5 years!)

There are two constraints when I use echinacea.  First, since it boosts the immune system, the immune system must be functioning to some degree.  Some conditions like FeLV so destroy the immune system that there is little left to work with.  Other problems such as cancer, overwhelm the immune system.  In either case, echinacea can help but I wouldn't use it as the primary treatment option.  Second, since it boosts the immune system, it can only be given in short cycles and not as daily treatment.  What I mean is, after 2-3 weeks, it's effectiveness diminishes, so I have to rest the cat's immune system for at least a week before again using the echinacea.  Many books recommend 3 on, 1 off, but I've found 2 on, 1 off to be better for most minor problems.

Here's how I used echinacea to treat Isabel's nose:

• I used it because this was a minor, not-life-threatening and chronic infection
• I use the glycerate extract from roots, which she doesn't mind
• I give her 2-4 drops mixed in food, twice a day for 2 weeks, then I'll stop for a week before giving her another round

Mandatory disclaimer:  I am not a vet.  If your cat is sick or injured, take your cat to a vet.  The information I have here is what I do for my cats.