Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra  Family: Ulmaceae

 

Overview

Slippery Elm is a soothing, mucilaginous bark long celebrated for its ability to calm and protect irritated tissues. Traditionally used for sore throats, coughs, and gastrointestinal discomfort, its gentle, coating action makes it ideal for ulcers and inflammation throughout the respiratory and digestive tracts. Externally, it forms a healing paste for wounds, sores, and minor burns. Spiritually, Slippery Elm is valued for silencing slander and shielding against harmful gossip. With its sweet, neutral flavor and yin-tonic nature, this North American tree is a quiet but powerful ally for protection, healing, and inner nourishment.

Traditional Uses:

• Sore throat, cough, respiratory irritation
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Wounds and sores when used externally

Spiritual Uses:

• Protection: Use to stop gossip and slander

Caution:

None

Applications:

Decoction: add 1-2 tsp dried bark in 1 Cup water and simmer for 10-15mins, drink 1/2C 3x per day, decoction can also be made into a cough syrup; to use externally, mix just enough boiling water with dried bark to form a paste

Parts Used:

Inner bark

Habitat & Growing Conditions:

Native to North America, found in US zones 3-9. Grows in wooded slopes and bluffs

Traditional Chinese Medicine Flavors:

Sweet, neutral

Properties:

• Nutritive demulcent
• Yin tonic
• Expectorant
• Emollient
• Mild astringent
• Vulnerary

Key Constituents:

• Proteins
• Mucins
• Amino Acids
• Iodine
• Bromine
• Manganese Salts

Sources:

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra p194

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann p233

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. If you are under the care of a health care provider and/or taking prescription medication, check with your health care provider before taking any herbal supplement.