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Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Ulmaceae
  • Common Names: Slippery Elm, Red Elm, Moose Elm
  • Parts Used: Inner bark

Description

Slippery elm is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America, known for its mucilaginous inner bark. When mixed with water, it forms a soothing, gel-like consistency that has been traditionally used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used by Native Americans for wounds, burns, and digestive ailments.
  • Employed in traditional herbal medicine for soothing sore throats, coughs, and stomach ulcers.
  • Historically used as a survival food due to its nutrient-rich, mucilaginous inner bark.

Constituents

  • Mucilage (main active compound)
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids
  • Phytosterols
  • Starch

Actions

  • Demulcent (soothes mucous membranes)
  • Emollient
  • Antitussive (relieves coughs)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Nutrient-rich tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Support:
Slippery elm is commonly used to soothe and protect the gastrointestinal tract, making it effective for conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Sore Throat and Respiratory Relief:
Its mucilaginous texture coats the throat, providing relief from coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis.

3. Skin Soothing and Wound Healing:
Applied externally as a poultice, slippery elm helps heal wounds, burns, and skin irritations.

4. Constipation Relief:
Slippery elm’s mucilage adds bulk to the stool and acts as a mild laxative, helping to relieve constipation.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Support:
Its soothing properties help reduce inflammation in the digestive and respiratory tracts.

6. Nutritional Support:
As a nutrient-rich tonic, slippery elm can be used during recovery from illness when food intake is limited.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of powdered inner bark per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink 1-2 times daily.

Gruel:

  • Mix 1 tbsp of powdered bark with warm water to form a paste. Slowly add hot water or milk and consume for soothing digestive support.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml of slippery elm tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Poultice:

  • Mix powdered bark with warm water to form a paste. Apply directly to wounds or inflamed skin.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe, but consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Medication Interactions: May slow the absorption of medications due to its mucilage content; take medications 1-2 hours before or after using slippery elm.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional North American Medicine: Cooling and moistening, slippery elm is used to relieve dryness and inflammation.
  • Ayurvedic: Balances excess vata and pitta due to its soothing, demulcent properties.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Health: Combine with marshmallow root and licorice.
  • For Respiratory Relief: Combine with mullein and thyme.
  • For Skin Healing: Combine with calendula and comfrey.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Inner bark is sustainably harvested in spring or early summer from mature trees.
  • Drying: Dry the bark in a warm, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage: Store dried bark or powdered material in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies have confirmed slippery elm’s effectiveness in soothing mucous membranes and promoting wound healing. Research is ongoing into its potential applications for digestive disorders and respiratory conditions.

Slippery elm remains a vital herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, valued for its soothing, demulcent, and nutrient-rich properties.