I'm starting to take slippery elm and aloe vera juice for a tummy issue; can they be combined?!
Question: I'd rather put the drops of slippery elm into the aloe very juice and get the thing done all at once -- particularly b/c I'm supposed to take it 4 times a day.
Answers: I'd rather put the drops of slippery elm into the aloe very juice and get the thing done all at once -- particularly b/c I'm supposed to take it 4 times a day.
There is no danger in combining the two, although I would not recommend it.
Slippery elm contains a lot of mucilage. If you mix the powdered bark with water, you'll notice that it becomes really slimy. The same thing will happen with the liquid in your stomach. This has a coating effect on the stomach and intestinal lining, which will interfere with Aloe Vera, or anything else you take at the same time.
I would recommend alternating their doses, taking them at least an hour apart, so that you will be able to benefit from the Aloe Vera as well.
There's no contraindications between them, so it shouldn't be a problem in general. However, I'm curious... are you saying you bought drops of Slippery Elm, or are you talking about opening the capsule and pouring it into the Aloe? If you found a liquid, there shouldn't be a problem mixing them if you swallow the mixture right away(since they'll mix in your stomach anyway... but I can't vouch for the taste). If you have capsules, I would suggest swallowing those as they are intended, which you could wash down with the Aloe juice if you'd like to.
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If you taking slippery elm for your stomach try taking it in a tea form.
Also American yellow saffaron tea is very good for your digestive system too.
I agree with Herb Goddess, you shouldn't be taking them together. Braindamageblue, have you ever taken slippery elm as a tea yourself? I'm guessing not, since it becomes goo once you add it to water.