Elm bark is the bark of the elm tree. People use it to make medicine.
Contents
Uses
Elm bark is used for digestive disorders and severe diarrhea. Sometimes it is used as a diuretic to reduce water retention or as a drying agent (astringent).
On the skin, elm bark is used for cleaning open or festering wounds.
Benefits
- The health benefits of slippery elm are rooted mainly in its soothing properties. It is thus effectively used as a mucilaginous herb internally to coat and soothe mucous membranes while also absorbing toxins which can cause intestinal imbalances. Slippery elm is an effective remedy for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, colitis,irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and heartburn.
- The Cherokee have used the viscous inner bark of the slippery elm to prepare a healing salve, and in herbal medicine it is used as one of the best possible poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and all inflamed surfaces, soothing, healing and reducing pain and inflammation.
- The benefits of slippery elm also extend to being a simple food. As a part of normal diets, slippery elm’s inner bark can be ground and eaten as porridge. It is very nutritious and packed with antioxidants, with a similar taste and consistency like oatmeal. It also makes a wholesome and sustaining food for invalids and infants.
- As a heart remedy, a cocktail of a pint of slippery elm drink has been prescribed alternately with Bugleweed compound.
- The slippery elm plant, more specifically slippery elm bark, is also part of a North American formula called Essiac, which is a popular herbal treatment for cancer.
- Another of the benefits of slippery Elm bark is that it is attributed with healing effects upon diseases of the female organs.
Caution
There isn’t enough information available to know if elm bark is safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough information to know if taking elm bark is safe during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Corteza de Olmo, Écorce d’Orme, Orme Champêtre, Orme Commun, Smooth-Leaved Elm, Ulmus minor
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-3-elm%20bark.aspx?activeingredientid=3&activeingredientname=elm%20bark
Suziqi, https://suziqi.nl/2013/03/21/health-benefits-of-slippery-elm-bark/