COMMON NAME

Standardized: slippery elm

BOTANICAL NAME

Ulmus rubra Muhl.
Plant Family: Ulmaceae

SYNONYMS

Ulmus fulva

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

The slippery elm is a large, deciduous tree that is native to North American from Texas to Manitoba, and from Florida to Quebec. When growing in well-drained soils, it can reach a height of 60 feet (20 meters). The inner bark of the branches is collected in spring for medicinal use. Slippery elm bark added to room temperature water has a slippery and mucilaginous consistency. Native Americans used soaked slippery elm bark as a natural bandage, allowing to dry over wounds. Many tribes also wrapped slippery elm around stored food to prevent spoilage. Slippery elm also served as a food during famine and for making porridge for small children and elderly persons.

What Is Slippery Elm Used For?

Slippery elm has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It is either taken by mouth or applied topically to the skin. Some of the conditions slippery elm is believed to treat include:

• Acid reflux, when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes repeated bouts of abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mouth ulcers
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder

It is also applied topically to the skin to help cuts and burns heal.

Some proponents say slippery elm can treat other more serious illnesses, like:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection
• Herpes, a sexually transmitted skin infection
• Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis
• Psoriasis, a common skin disorder
• Breast cancer or lung cancer

CONSTITUENTS

Mucilages.

PARTS USED

The chopped bark is suitable for poultices. Use ground bark for tea. The inner bark is preferred.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS

Teas, infusions, poultices. Up to 5 tablespoons (15 grams) of slippery elm bark can be dissolved in a cup (240 ml) of water. Sometimes found encapsulated and as a liquid extract.

PRECAUTIONS

Specific: Slippery Elm should be taken with at least 250mL (8 oz) of liquid. Other drugs should be taken 1 hour prior to or several hours after consumption of slippery elm. The mucilage may slow the absorption of orally administered drugs.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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