Slippery Elm
Ulmus Fulva
 Slippery
Elm ( Ulmus fulva ) has been used as an herbal remedy in
North America for centuries. Native Americans used
Slippery
Elm
in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin
inflammation. Antiseptic poultices made from the mucilage or
gummy secretion from the bark were applied to infected wounds. In
particular, the Cherokee used Slippery
Elm for coughs, skin
conditions, and as an eye wash. At Valley Forge George
Washington's Army was kept alive by eating the inner bark of the
Slippery Elm Tree, it is a very nutritive tonic.
Slippery Elm is one of the most mucilaginous herbs known, which makes it
one of the best bases for a poultice. Along with its ability to form a
poultice it is a demulcent (softens and sooths inflamed tissues,
externally and internally), an emollient (as well as softening and
soothing, it protects), and a vulnerary (protects against infection and
stimulates cell growth).
Used
as a poultice Slippery Elm's emollient, demulcent, and vulnerary powers
can help heal wounds, ulcers and other inflamed skin problems. It can
also be used to good effect for gangrenous wounds, suppurating sores and
bed sores by adding equal parts of Echinacea and Comfrey root powders to
the poultice.
A
great poultice for cancer is, 50% Slippery Elm as a base, plus Garlic,
Red Clover, Poke Root and Cayenne. You add distilled water to this and
mix until you get a slightly dry dough like consistency which will
stick to the skin.
Another area where Slippery Elm excels as a healer is in the
gastrointestinal system. Slippery Elm can neutralize stomach acid. If
you suffer from ulcers in the stomach or intestines it can bring
soothing relief as well as nutrition. If you have irritation in the
bowel area Slippery Elm can be used orally, or as a bolus, suppository
or added to enemas.
Slippery Elm can also help heal problems in the pulmonary areas of the
body such as sore throat, coughs, bleeding from the lungs and other lung
problems.
Slippery elm is also considered a wholesome nutritional food, similar in
texture to oatmeal and can be prepared as a porridge. Consumed three
times per day, "elm food" may be a good source of nutrients. Because it
is gentle and easily digested, it is well tolerated by people with
gastritis and other forms of intestinal problems. Mix distilled water
with the herb until you have a thick porridge consistency, you can add
cinnamon, honey good to give even to infants when they have difficulty
in keeping food down or to someone who has any wasting disease.
Slippery Elm is also excellent as part of a Bowel Detox formula:
Slippery Elm Bark, Psyllium Seed, Psyllium Husk, Bentonite Clay, Flax
Seed, Apple Pectin, Marshmallow Root, Fennel Seed, Activated Willow
Charcoal
The
above formula is used to cleanse, purify and detoxify the colon, bowel,
and intestines. Soothing and strengthening the entire intestinal tract.
Slippery elm is also one of four herbs included in a popular therapy
called essiac that is promoted for cancer treatment. This remedy was
developed by a nurse in Canada in the early 1930's. Later, the
formula was expanded from its original inclusion of slippery elm,
burdock root, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb to also include red
clover, water cress, blessed thistle, and kelp. Today, reports state
that there are over 40 variations of these herbal combination remedies
on the market, without scientific proof that any of them work
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
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