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 Elm
trees originated mostly in the Appalachian Mountain region in the
eastern part of North America. The elm leaves were collected, dried,
and used as a tea or skin wash. Natives used the inner bark for food
because it is easily digested and is high in
carbohydrates.
Several species of elm trees originated mostly
in the Appalachian Mountain region in the eastern part of North
America. The elm leaves were collected, dried, and used as a tea or
skin wash. The inner bark of the elm tree was most frequently used
by natives and colonists. Some native people used the inner bark for
food because it is easily digested and is high in carbohydrates.
They also used it to waterproof their baskets, canoes, and dwelling
places. Early colonists made a pudding of elm with milk and eggs; it
was used it to thicken jelly, to prevent grease from going rancid
and they carried it on trips as a “survival” food. As a medicine,
elm was considered very useful. It was applied to relieve arthritis,
gout, toothache, and all kinds of skin injuries. Internally it was
used to eliminate intestinal worms as well as to relieve stomach
aches and coughs.
Uses and
Indications
Today slippery elm is used in connection
with sore throats, respiratory irritations, gastrointestinal
conditions, and ulcers. It is used externally as a poultice for
wounds, burns, other skin conditions, hemorrhoids, and vaginitis
(inflammation of the vagina, usually caused by infection). Slippery
elm has also been used for food, as a skin softener and smoother,
and as a cough medicine.
Dosage and
Administration
It is recommended that adults take 2
to 4g three times per day in 500mg capsules. It can also be taken as
a decoction with one part slippery elm powder from bark to eight
parts water, 4 to 16 mL three times per day or 5 to 20 mL one part
to ten parts water taken as often as needed. It can also be added to
juice or oatmeal. As an infusion using 4g powdered bark in 500mL
boiling water, it is recommended three times per day as a
nutritional supplement. For topical application mix coarse powdered
bark with boiling water to create a poultice.
For children it
is recommended cutting the adult dosage according to the weight of
the child. For instance, most herbal dosages for adults are
calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult, so if the child
weighs 50 lb (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of slippery elm for
this child would be one-third of the adult dosage.
We never
recommend using an herbal product for a child without first
consulting a medical professional. We also suggest the same for
adults.
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