Wellness: The Slippery Elm
by Desiree Luebke
Slippery Elm, also known as Ulmus Fulva, has long been used by Native Americans for everything from sore throats to stomach ailments.
It grows in abundance in parts of North America. The branches are rough and the leaves as well. However it is the inner bark that has the medicinal value. The bark, the only part actually used, is collected in the spring and the larger branches are dried out as well.
The powdered bark is sold in a course powder for poultices and a finer powder for making drink, such as tea. Slippery Elm not only has a soothing action but it also possesses a nutritional value as well.
Some of the ailments that Slippery Elm could be used for is bronchitis, ailments of the bowels, and American Indians have also used it for poultices in the aid of wounds, ulcer, boils, and all other inflamed surfaces. Slippery Elm is also included in some cancer treatments along with three other herbs although there is no scientific proof that it works. The FDA however has recognized Slippery Elm as a safe treatment for sore throats and coughs while herbalists use it externally for everything from certain skin conditions to diaper rash.
The available forms of Slippery Elm are tablets, capsules, and lozenges, fine powder for infusions, decoctions and extracts. Below are not only a recipe but the different ways in which to take it.
Marshmallow Ointment, one of the principal ointments used in herbal medicine, has a considerable proportion of Slippery Elm bark in its composition. It is made as follows: 3 oz. Marshmallow leaves, 2 OZ. Slippery Elm bark powder, 3 oz. Beeswax, 16 OZ. Lard. Boil the Marshmallow and Slippery Elm bark in 3 pints of water for 15 minutes. Express, strain and reduce the liquor to half a pint. Melt together the lard and wax by gentle heat, then add the extract while still warm, shake constantly till all are thoroughly incorporated and store in a cool place.
Pediatric
Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 to 25 kg), the appropriate dose of slippery elm for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dose.
Adult
The following are recommended adult doses for slippery elm:
Decoction: prepare by simmering for an hour or longer one part powdered bark to eight parts water. This will make a mucilaginous drink that can be taken as often as needed, or added to juice or oatmeal.
Infusion: prepare by pouring 2 cups boiling water over 4 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark and then steeping for 3 to 5 minutes. Drink three times per day
Capsules: two capsules (250 to 500 mg), three times daily
Lozenges: follow dosing instructions on label
External application: Mix coarse powdered bark with boiling water to make a poultice.
There are no known health hazards reported for slippery elm when it is properly administered in recommended therapeutic doses. However, taking slippery elm with oral medications may decrease the absorption of these medications; therefore, it may be a good idea to take slippery elm several hours before or after other herbs or medications you may be taking.
Based on use by and experience of herbal specialists, slippery elm is thought to be safe in pregnant and nursing women, but this has not been tested scientifically
