Slippery elm - Ulmus spp. (rubra, fulva) (in the Ulmaceae or Elm family)
Part used: Inner bark.
Taste/smell: Similar to maple syrup without the sweetness, astringent, mucilaginous.
Tendencies: Moistening with ingestion of water, drying without ingestion of water.
Dosage: 1 tablespoon of powdered herb per cup of water, mixed into a slurry.
Use: (a) Mucilaginous demulcent, (b) Diuretic, (c) Anti-inflammatory.
Slippery elm is indicated for soothing mucous membrane irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. Internally, it is used for inflammatory respiratory tract disorders, inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder and urethra and externally for wounds, burns, ulcers, and all inflammatory skin disorders.
Contraindications: When consumed in dry form, this herb should always be taken with water.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
