How to Make Slippery Elm Syrup for Pets

Herbs to the Rescue for Digestive Problems

Slippery Elm bark will sooth the stomach and intestines. It is a nutritive herb with emollient and slightly astringent qualities. It possesses abundant mucilage which will soothe irritation, disperse inflammation, draw out impurities, heal rapidly, and greatly strengthen. The powder can be made into a gruel that makes a nutritious food for convalescents; it is easy to assimilate. Its action is so gentle that it can be retained by delicate stomachs when other substances are rejected.

Slippery elm is a safe herb. It is very soothing to the mucus membranes of the mouth as well as the entire gastrointestinal system. This life sustaining food herb can be used for IBD, colic, vomiting, ulcers and diarrhea. It is contains vitamins and minerals and has a pleasant mild taste. It is also readily accepted by most animals young and old, even by the most picky cats and ferrets.

Recipe

Put 1/2 cup of cool purified water into a glass or stainless steel saucepan. Add one slightly rounded teaspoon of slippery elm powder (or you can open and empty the contents of 5 capsules into the pan). Whisk with a fork until the powder blends with the water. Note: Always blend it in the cold water first. If you add the powder to warm or hot water it will be lumpy.

Bring the ingredients to a simmer over a low flame, stir constantly. Simmer about two minutes or until it slightly thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Cool the mixture then refrigerate in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. With proper storage the syrup will remain fresh for 7 or 8 days.

Even if you just add the dry powder mixed to an animals soft food it can help soothe the digestive system.

Suggested Herbal Doses for Pets

Dogs: Depending on the size of the dog give 1 to 3 teaspoon(s) slippery elm syrup before each meal (2 to 3 times daily).

Cats/ferrets: 1 teaspoon slippery elm syrup given before each meal.

Birds: The suggested dose for birds would be to 'lightly salt' the powdered herb over their food.

Horses: The suggested dose is 2 to 4 tablespoons of the powder, three times daily for 5 days. The powder is mixed with 3/4 cup of yogurt and/or 2 tablespoons of honey. Note: It can also be made into a tea by mixing the herb with 1 liter of water and bringing it to a boil. Allow to cool and mix the tea with the grain twice a day.

Resources

Herbs to the Rescue Charts for dogs, cat, horses and birds are tools developed by Lorelei Whitney, M.H., C.Hom. that will help you easily learn to use herbs for pets. Developed to enable anyone to confidently treat their companion animal at home. To learn more about natural healing strategies for pets click here.