Slippery Elm
(Ulmus fulva; U. rubra)
Energetics: Neutral temp. Moistening.
Taste: Sweet.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Lungs. Stomach.
Parts Used: Inner bark
Key Components: Proteins. Amino acids. Iodine. Bromine. Magnesium salts. Mucilage. Tannins.
Preparations & dosage: Overnight infusion in cool or cold water or decoct for 10-15 minutes. Powdered can also be eaten Decoction. Poultice: Make a paste with slippery elm and boiling water.
Actions:
Foundational: Mild Astringent. Demulcent.
Primary: Emollient. Vulnerary.
Secondary: Nutritive. Yin Tonic.
Uses:
Makes a wonderful food as a type of gruel for someone convalescing from illness, undergoing cancer treatment or suffering from malnutrition. Will typically be well tolerated and will stay down when nothing else will. Can add a bit of cinnamon as well. 1 Slippery elm gruel recipe calls for slippery elm to be mixed with warm honey water until you get the desired consistency. Can add cinnamon or clove to taste.
Boils, abcesses & ulcers on the skin. Michael Tierra says that when mixed with powdered comfrey root, marshmallow root and echinacea root. Make a paste with hot water and apply to besdores, ulcers and other wounds. Wrap with a dressing and change daily.
Ulcers.
Sore, dry throat. Dry throat and lungs.
Combines well with:
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Due to dutch elm disease, slippery elm has become an at risk medicine and should be used with care. Only purchase organically cultivated plant material and, when possible, use an alternative.
Sources:
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 318
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 194-195
The Earthwise Herbal: Matthew Wood. Pg 342-347
Studies:
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