Medicinal Plants : Ulmus fulva

Name

Slippery Elm

Biological Name

Ulmus fulva
Ulmaceae

Other Names

Slippery Elm, Red Elm

Parts Used

Inner bark

Active Compounds

Mucilage, composed of galactose, 3-methyl galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid residues.

Remedies For

Demulcent, emollient, nutrient, astringent, anti-inflammatory.

Slippery Elm Bark is a soothing nutritive demulcent which is perfectly suited for sensitive or inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system. This herb is used in the treatment of gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, enteritis, colitis and the like. It is often used as a food during convalescence as it is gentle and easily assimilated. In diarrhea it will soothe and astringe at the same time. Externally it makes an excellent poultice for use in cases of boils, abscesses or ulcers.

Description

A common wild plant in Britain and Europe, growing in damp places. Coltsfoot is a common herb used throughout history for coughs and wheezing. It is the Chinese, however, who primarily emphasize the use of the flowers for this purpose. Interestingly, while the leaves used in the West are primarily used as an anti-inflammatory, the flowers are mostly used by the Chinese for coughs that are due to cold.

Dosage

Decoction: Use 1 part of the powdered bark to 8 parts of water. Mix the powder in a little water initially to ensure it will mix. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes, Drink half a cup three times a day.

Poultice: mix the coarse powdered bark with enough boiling water to make a paste.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.