Ulmus rubra Muhl.
slippery elm
Medicinal
Researcher: Tanner Filyaw
Slippery Elm bark powder - stock photo
Uses: The inner bark of Ulmus rubra is very mucilaginous and is perfectly suited for
soothing the sensitive or inflamed mucous membranes of the chest, urinary tract,
stomach, intestines, and especially the throat (4).
It is also highly effective on the linings of the digestive system and has been used in the
treatment of gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and colitis (94). The inner bark of this species
can also be boiled into a porridge that bears a strong resemblance to oatmeal. Nutritionists have discovered that when the bark is prepared
in this manner it possess a nutritional value that
is almost identical to the oatmeal that we are
familiar with today (98). Slippery elm is
also one of four herbs included in a popular therapy called essiac that is promoted for
cancer treatment. This remedy was developed
by a nurse in Canada in the early 1930's, and
has been expanded to include several other herbs (102).
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Parts Used – leaves, bark (4)
Preparations –
Tea Infusion – Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered bark with 8 ounces of water. Bring
to a boil, and simmer over low heat for
10-15 minutes. Dose ½ cup 3
times daily (94).
Poultice – Mix coarsely powdered bark
with just enough water to make a paste,
and then apply topically (94).
Slippery Elm Food – Mix 1 teaspoon of
powdered bark to make a paste, then
add 16 ounces of boiling water. Can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg,lemon, or honey (7).
Known Constituents: The principle constituent of U. rubra is mucilage,
which is stored in the bast cells of the
plant (7). According to Daniel (2006) the active chemical constituent of mucilage is
a mixture of two or more chemicals called
polyuronides, which are responsible for
the plants demulcent and nutritive
properties (96).
Actions – Demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, nutritive (4), astringent, anti-
inflammatory (94), abortifacient (97), and antioxidant (99).
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