Latin name: Ulmus rubra
Family: Ulmaceae
Folk Names: Indian elm, Elm, Red elm, Rock elm, Slippery elm, Sweet elm.
Image Credit: Nature Hills 
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Image Credit: Sage Woman Herbs
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Inner Bark.
Native Americans traditionally used this tree’s bark which is rough, reddish brown color. The deciduous tree itself grows 40-60 feet with branches containing dark, green ovate leaves which are rough in texture and a flat-top crown spreading wide. It thrives best in moist, rich soils in sun or part shade. Susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease.
CONSTITUENTS
- Mucilagenous demulcent
- Emollient
- Nutrient
- Astringent
- Diuretic
- Bulking laxative
Anticancer, tannins for antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic (expels worms), antioxidant, immunomodulator.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Soothing nutrative demulcent which is perfectly suited for sensitive or inflammed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system
- It may be used in gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, enteritis, colitis.
- Often used as a food during convalescence as it is gentle and easily assimilated.
- In diarrhoea it will sooth and astringe at the same time.
- Can be used externally as a poltice for boils, abscesses or ulcers
- Reduce toxic build up
- Encourages peristalsis
- Soothing when applied as a poultice on skin woulds/splinters
Clinical: Coughing, gastritis, inflammation, intestinal disease, oral inflammation, sore throat, boils, burns, cold sores, colitis, Crohn’s disease, dermatitis, diarrhea, indigestion, sores, stomach problems, ulcers, wounds.
Folk: Abscesses, colds, cuts, dysentery, pleurisy. Early settlers also used it to treat gunshot wounds during the American Revolution. Leaves chewed to quench thirst. Makes a good poultice as well.
Energetics: Sweet, moistening with water – drying without water ingestion.
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Don’t take with medications that could impede or delay absorption due to changes in mucus production. Some people may be allergic to tree pollen. Avoid during pregnancy as it contains risk of miscarriage and take caution in children as safe dosages have not been determined.
Dosage
Six hundred eighty to 1,000 mg of a standardized supplement daily or 1 to 3 teaspoons of the powdered urbanity up to three times daily. One teaspoon of liquid extract or tincture three times daily, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh bark daily, or 2 to 4 teaspoons of dried bark daily.
DECOCTION: Use 1 part of the powdered bark to 8 parts of water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10-15 mins. Drink half a cup 3 times a day.
POULTICE: mix the course powdered bark with enough boiling water to make a paste .
Combinations: Marshmallow for digestive problems.
