April 26, 2002

SLIPPERY ELM

Latin Name: Ulmus rubra

Alternate Names: Red Elm, Moose Elm, Indian Elm, Winged Elm

Family: ULMACEAE

Parts Used: Inner bark.

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Astringent, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Laxative, Nutritive, Restorative, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: AIDS, Appendicitis, Bipolar Depression, Bronchitis, Colic, Colitis, Convalescence, Cough, Debility, Diarrhea, Diverticulitis, Dysentery, Fractures, Gastroenteritis, Hemorrhoids, Hyperacidity, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel, Laryngitis, Mucus Irritation, Nausea, Nervous Breakdown, Pleurisy, Sore Throat, Starvation, Tuberculosis, Tumors, Ulcers, Wasting Diseases

Internal Applications: Tea, Capsules. Lozenges for sore throat and smokers.

The powdered bark can be fed to people that cannot keep any food down such as chemotherapy patients or those recuperating from illness. Also for those who are wasting away, failing to thrive and losing weight. Can be added to baby food as a nutritive. Also good for babies who cannot digest milk. Slippery Elm helps soothe irritated mucus membranes.

Topical Uses: Bedsores, Boils, Burns, Diaper Rash, Eczema, Eye Inflammation, Gangrene, Mastitis, Splinters, Wounds

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice for bed sores, boils, burns, diaper rash, eczema, eye inflammations, gangrene, splinters and wounds. Used as a binder to hold herbal tablets, suppositories and boluses together.

Culinary uses: Powdered bark is eaten as a nourishing gruel.

Energetics: Sweet, Neutral, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Mucilage (galactose), starch, tannins, calcium, vanadium, zinc.

Contraindications: One of the safest herbs. However, it can promote congestion, so mix with carminatives such as Ginger. Unfortunately, Elm trees have been decimated by Dutch Elm Disease and are becoming endangered. Marshmallow root can be used as a substitute in many cases.

Comments: 19th century midwives used Slippery Elm to lubricate their hands when performing gynecological exams. It was also consumed the last few weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labor.

This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

The common name Slippery Elm includes the species Ulmus fulva (traditional Slippery Elm), which is used interchangeably with Ulmus rubra.

-- Phillip (mac0328@planetkc.com), April 26, 2002