Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm)

Question 1

How do you recognise Slippery Elm?

Answer 1

• A deciduous tree that grows to 20m tall, similar in appearance to English wych elm.
• Known as red elm for the colour of its heartwood.
• Native to North America – especially the Appalachians. Long history of use as a source of fibre for many Native American peoples as well as a medicine.
• Threatened by overharvesting and by Dutch elm disease.
• Other demulcents such as althea and psillium should be used as replacements as not much of it left sadly.

Question 2

What are Slippery Elm’s main constituents?

Answer 2

• Mucilage, mainly.
• Cellulose.
• Lignin.
• Tannins.
• Flavonoids.

Question 3

What family is Slippery Elm in?

Answer 3

A member of the Ulmaceae. (Listed in most herbals as U. fulva).

Question 4

What is Slippery Elm good for?

Answer 4

Summary: This is gloop; internally used to soothe - and also as a drawing herb. Wide range of gut health uses. Bendle has mainly used it for soothing the stomach - GIT infections

Actions:
* Demulcent & emollient.
* Expectorant.
* Nutritive.
* Anti-emetic.
* Anti-inflammatory.

Applications:
* Sore throats.
* Inflammation in GIT especially stomach
* To curb vomiting in gastroenteritis - good to ‘line the stomach’ to help people keep food down and start recovery.
* To soothe coughs – historically for TB, pneumonia & pleurisy.
* To soothe urinary system in UTIs.
* As a food in convalescence.
* For skin inflammation – burns, boils and ulcers.
* Historically slivers of bark used as a mechanical abortifacient

Question 5

What is Slippery Elm’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Ulmus rubra

Question 6

What parts of Slippery Elm do you use?

Answer 6

Part used: inner bark

Question 7

What safety issues might Slippery Elm have?

Answer 7

None

Question 8

What useful research does Slippery Elm have?

Answer 8

External links:
There are very few studies on slippery elm.
* Slippery Elm, its Biochemistry, and use as a Complementary and Alternative Treatment for Laryngeal Irritation
There have been a number of studies showing that ‘Essiac’, a cure mix for cancer, does not work. Here is a recent one that suggests that it might have benefits but Bendle is not convinced:
* Investigation of the in vivo and in vitro effects of Essiac® liquid herbal extract on health and cancer
Note however the lack of examination of what their commercially obtained bottle of “Essiac®” actually contains!
* Slipping Away? Slippery Elm in the Herbal Marketplace – Past, Present & Future – article from United Plant Savers

Question 9

What remedies might you use Slippery Elm in?

Answer 9

Bendle has used it as a thin gruel, like a porridge. Some people who don’t like taking it have described it as ‘snot’.
Might add cinnamon to add flavour.
It has been used historically and patients may ask you about, but Bendle would recommend powdered Marshmallow root instead as this is more sustainable. Most patients say it is as good.