American Elm
Scientific Name: Slippery elm
Other Names: Elm, Indian Elm, Japanese Elm, Moose Elm, Red Elm, Sweet Elm, Ulmus fulva, Ulmus rubra, Winged Elm
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Several species of elm trees are thought to have originated in the eastern part of North America--particularly in the Appalachian Mountain region. Although elm leaves were collected, dried, and used occasionally as a tea or skin wash; the "inner" bark (the light-colored, spongy layer between the rough "outer" bark and the wood of the tree) of the slippery elm was most used by Native People and colonists. Some used the inner bark for food--it is easily digested and it is high in carbohydrates. Early colonists made a pudding of elm with milk and eggs; they used it to thicken jelly; they added it to grease to prevent rancidity; and they carried it on trips as a light weight "survival" food. For medicine, slippery elm was multi-purpose. It was applied to treat arthritis, gout, toothache, and all kinds of skin injuries. Orally, it was used to eliminate intestinal worms as well as to relieve coughs and stomach aches. It was used to waterproof baskets, canoes, and dwelling places, as well.
The wood of slippery elm has a darker reddish color and a different structure than most other elms. Because the grain of slippery elm wood is short and twisty, it is more flexible than other woods. In earlier times, it was used for bows and arrows, crates, fence posts, and tool handles; but not for lumber.
Slippery elm's inner bark continues to be used today, even though the numbers of all types of elm trees in the United States were drastically reduced by Dutch Elm disease during the 1970s. In the spring, sections of slippery elm bark are removed carefully from the trunk or large limbs of mature trees. If large amounts are taken the tree will die, and young slippery elm trees must be at least 10 years old to have enough inner bark to harvest. The dried inner bark used to be sold in chunks, but now it is most often processed commercially. After the light brown inner bark is separated from the rough, darker outer bark, the inner bark is dried and then shredded or powdered. Large scale processing of inner slippery elm bark is dangerous because the powder is very flammable. Like grain dust in silos, it may explode and burn under certain conditions. Currently, slippery elm is included in an herbal remedy known as Essiac. This preparation, which also contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, turkey rhubarb root, and possibly other herbals, is sold to treat cancer. No scientific evidence from laboratory, animal, or human studies support the use of Essiac for any condition.
Dosage and Administration
The most common commercial products made from slippery elm are throat lozenges. It is also sold in oral forms such as liquid tinctures and capsules. The capsules should be taken with a full glass of water because they swell when wet. They may cause a blockage of the esophagus if they become stuck in the throat. Slippery elm products have varying recommendations for use, so the directions on the package that is purchased should be followed.
Slippery elm may be made into a drink or a thin cereal-type food (usually called "gruel") by mixing about one teaspoon of the powdered bark into about an ounce of cold water. Once the powdered slippery elm bark is dissolved, up to 8 ounces of boiling water or other liquid may be added. Slippery elm gruel has been used as food for babies and individuals who are unable to eat solid foods. Both slippery elm gruel and drinks made from slippery elm have a thick texture and a bland taste, so they are often flavored before consumption.
Summary
Slippery elm is included in cough lozenges and other products to treat coughing. It may also soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help relieve constipation, when it is taken by mouth. Applied topically, it may help to soothe and heal skin conditions.
Risks
Using inner bark of slippery elm is not known to cause problems during pregnancy. However, if any of the outer slippery elm bark is ingested by a pregnant woman, a miscarriage is a remote possibility.
Side Effects
No side effects have been attributed to taking slippery elm by mouth. However, it may cause rashes or other skin irritation if it is applied or handled.
Interactions
Although slippery elm is not known to interfere with any drugs, other herbals, or foods; taking it by mouth may slow down or stop absorption of other substances from the intestines.
Last Revised July 18, 2007
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