Ulmus fulva (Ulmaceae)

SLIPPERY ELM, RED ELM, MOOSE ELM

The inner bark of slippery elm, originally used by North American Indians, is given internally by herbalists to soothe sore throats or an irritated digestive tract. It is also applied to boils and infected wounds as a poultice.

This North American tree was used by the indigenous Indians as a treatment for constipation because of the copious mucilage it contains, and for diarrhoea because of its astringency. Once adopted as a European medicine, it was also used as a nutritive and as a poultice. Only the inner bark of slippery elm is used, the harvest of which usually kills the tree. Found in poor soils along the east coast of the United States, this tree has a rough bark and oval serrated leaves. Its flowers are tiny, grow in clusters, and produce small seeds surrounded by a circular papery "wing".

PARTS USED

Inner bark.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Mucilage; tannins.

ACTIONS

Soothes internal body surfaces; softens and soothes the skin; nutritive.

MEDICINAL USE

Given to soothe sore throats and inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Also used in debility as a source of energy, and applied as a poultice on boils, abscesses and infected wounds.

PREPARATIONS

Powder, tablets, poultice.