Latin Name
Ulmus fulva
General Description
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration calls slippery elm a good demulcent, or soothing
agent. Herbalists recommend its use externally to ease wounds and skin problems, and
internally to soothe sore throats, coughing and diarrhea and other gastrointestinal
disorders. Slippery elm's active ingredient is found in the white inner bark, whose
mucilaginous cells expand into a spongy mass when mixed with water. Elm trees were
prized in the 18th and 19th centuries by American settlers, for whom slippery elm was a
valuable cure. They soaked it in water and applied it to wounds, where it dried into a
natural bandage. In addition, they wrapped it around meats and other perishable foods
to prevent spoilage. Mixed with water, it made a soothing gruel for children and sick
people. While lozenges, powder and other elm products are still available in health
food stores, the great elm forests once common throughout the East Coast of the United
States have been ravaged by Dutch elm disease.
Target Ailments
Applied externally for:
Taken internally for:
Used externally and internally for:
Preparations
Over the counter:
Available as capsules, tea and powder.
At home:
Poultice: For wounds that have been thoroughly cleaned with soap and water,
powdered bark moistened with enough water for a paste; applied to wound and allowed to
dry for a natural bandage that delivers soothing agents to the wound.
Tea: 2 tsp. powder added to a cup of boiling water, then simmered for 15 minutes. Up to 3 cups a day consumed for throat, digestive and gynecological problems.
Food: Slippery elm powder mixed with water or milk until it has the consistency of a thin porridge.
Special Information