Herb library

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm, the inner bark of Ulmus rubra, is a soothing, mucilaginous herb used in simple household remedies for dry, irritated throats and digestive comfort. It is kind, gentle, and often mixed with other soothing herbs for drinks and poultices.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a soothing demulcent for sore or scratchy throats, taken as a warm drink or lozenge.
• •A long-standing household remedy for mild digestive irritation and heartburn, taken as a cooling, mucilage-rich infusion.
• •Traditionally used as an external poultice or compress for minor skin irritations, cuts, or inflamed patches to provide a protective, soothing layer.

Simple preparations.

• •Tea or infusion: Stir 1 level teaspoon of powdered slippery elm bark into 1 cup (240 ml) of just-boiled water, let steep 5 to 10 minutes until thickened, stir and sip warm up to three times daily for throat or digestive comfort.
• •Gargle or throat rinse: Mix 1 teaspoon powdered bark into 1 cup warm water, let cool to comfortable temperature, stir and use as a gentle gargle or rinse up to three times daily for scratchy throats.
• •Compress or poultice: Make a paste with 2 tablespoons powdered bark and just enough hot water to form a spreadable paste, cool slightly, spread on clean cloth and apply to the affected skin for 15 to 30 minutes; repeat once or twice daily as needed.

Cautions.

• !Slippery elm is bulky when mixed with liquids and may interfere with swallowing if not well mixed; take with sufficient liquid and avoid dry swallowing.
• !Do not give preparations containing honey to infants under one year old.
• !People with tree bark allergies may react to slippery elm; discontinue use if rash or breathing difficulty occurs.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications, check with your doctor before using slippery elm preparations.

Often kept beside.