| Botanical Name: Ulmus fulva
Plant Family: Urticaceae
Common Names: American Elm, Indian Elm, Moose Elm, Red Elm, Rock Elm, Sweet Elm, Ulme, Winged Elm
Origin: Slippery Elm is a deciduous tree found from Canada to Florida, west to the Dakotas and Texas
History: The Red American Indians used the bark and as a food called Oohooska meaning 'to slip'
Tradition: Slippery elm was
Plant Constituents
Contains:
- astringent tannins
- calcium phosphate
- mucilage
- starch
Usage
Medicinal Parts Used: The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is the portion used for healing
Slippery Elm is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- induces sleep (if taken at night)
Cardiovascular Conditions
- heart remedy, combined with Bugleweed
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea, combined with Bayberry, Skullcap and Myrrh
- dysentery
- enteritis
- gastric catarrh
- gastritis
- gastrointestinal irritation
- irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines
- mucous colitis
- puts a protective mucilaginous lining over the stomach and esophagus
- reduces over-activity in the bowel, via a nerve reflex action
- neutralizes stomach acids
Genitourinary Conditions
- cystitis
- irritation of the urinary tract
Glandular Conditions
- boosts the adrenal glands
Inflammatory Conditions
- soothes all mucous membranes
Respiratory Conditions
- bleeding from the lungs
- bronchitis
- chest disorders
- coughs
- irritation of the pharynx
- soothes coughs
- soothing to the whole respiratory system
- sore throat
Other
- builds up the body and prevents wasting
- draws out impurities
- heals all parts of the body
- nutritive food for children, invalids and convalescents
- soothing after the discomfort of vomiting
- used in all cases of weakness
Externally it is used as a poultice, ointment, wash, etc. for:
- abscesses
- all inflamed surfaces
- boils
- burns
- chill blains
- congestion
- eruptions
- gangrenous wounds
- poison ivy
- purulent ophthalmia
- skin cancers
- skin diseases
- suppurationsswollen glands
- ulcers
- wounds
Other Uses:
- nutritious gruel for infants and convalescents
Action:
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative]
- nutritive [gives nourishment]
- pectoral [remedy for pulmonary or other lung and chest diseases]
- remedial [has a healing effect]
Precautions
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Slippery Elm without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
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