Slippery elm
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
Brief Background:
Slippery elm inner bark has been used historically as a demulcent, emollient, nutritive, astringent, anti-tussive and vulnerary. It is included as one of four primary ingredients in herbal cancer remedy.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Native American healers have used the dried inner bark of the slippery elm tree for centuries. The bark, collected in the spring, yields thick, viscous mucilage which is primarily used to treat urinary tract inflammation, inflammation of the digestive tract, cold sores, boils, and irritated skin and mucus membranes. Poultices made from slippery elm bark were applied to bruises and black eyes and often recommended to help heal minor burns and abrasions. Ground inner bark was added to milk as a nutrient for infants and the chronically ill.
From 1820 to 1960, elm bark was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a demulcent, emollient and antitussive. In modern times, the powdered inner bark is included in herbal teas and throat lozenges to soothe throat irritation. It is also a common ingredient in many herbal emollients and anti-tussives.
Some herbalists and naturopathic doctors recommend slippery elm bark topically to treat diaper rash and other skin lesions, and internally to treat gastritis and ulcers.
