Water enables the transport of mucilage in between the hair fibers where the slimy consistency makes the strands slippery. (mommypotamus.com)
But its real value comes from the presence of mucilage in the bark, which soothes and coats all mucus membranes, including the digestive tract. (mindbodygreen.com)
Like slippery elm, it contains a high mucilage content. (mindbodygreen.com)