The Slippery Elm Tree

(Western Herb)

Ulmus rubra and Ulmus fulva

The Slippery elm tree is also known as Indian elm, Moose elm, Red elm, Sweet elm, Winged elm, Gray elm, and Soft elm.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Slippery elm tree is a species of elm native to eastern North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 60 feet. Elm trees can be found in forest and along streets.

Many of the trees have died from Dutch elm disease and are now scarce, so some suggest replacing it with marshmallow.

Benefits of Slippery elm:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes slippery elm herb as a safe and effective option for sore throat and cough. It is one of the four main ingredients in flor-essence and essiac, two of the most widely used herbal cancer treatments.

Slippery elm lozenges are excellent to ease a sore throat or relieve any irritation or inflammation of the digestive tract. Slippery elm herb is made into a gruel to be feed to sick children and to convalescence.

Benefits of Slippery Elm :

* neutralizes stomach acids

* boost the adrenal glands

* draws out impurities

* aids in digestion

* helps cleanse the colon

* soothes inflammation of ulcers

* enhancing growth of beneficial bacteria

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system

* gastritis

* peptic ulcer

* duodenal ulcer

* colitis

* diarrhea

* dysentery

* Crohn’s disease

* food poisoning

* irritable bowel syndrome

Apply externally for:

* boils

* abscesses

* ulcers

* wounds and cuts

* inflamed and itchy skin

PREPARATION:

The Slippery elm tree is available in capsule, tincture, powder, tea, lozenge, and bulk herb.

It can be used as an infusion, decoction, and poultice.

Part used: Inner bark

Collection: The inner bark of the trunk and branches is collected in the spring for medicinal use.

Constituents: Mucilage, tannin, flavonoids

Actions: Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, astringent, diuretic, vulnerary, nutrient, antioxidant

Combinations: Slippery elm herb may be combined with Marshmallow for digestive problems.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

This herb is considered safe when taken at recommended dosages.

It is non-toxic and has no known drug interactions.

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