Slippery Elm(Ulmus rubra)
Other Names:
Red Elm
Range:
Family:
Ulmaceae - Elm Family
Growth Type:
Deciduous tree with spreading head of branches
Height:
Growing 35-60 feet tall
Leaves:
The broad oblong to obovate leaves are 4–8 in long. They are rough above but velvety below, with coarse double-serrate margins, and oblique asymmetrical bases. They are dark green by summer, and turn a dull yellow in the fall.
Stem/Trunk:
Tall erect trunk with downy twigs, chestnut brown or reddish hairy buds, and slimy red inner bark
Root:
Spreading roots
Flower Season:
Early spring
Flower Appearance:
The wind-pollinated flowers are produced before the leaves in early spring, usually in tight, short-stalked, clusters of 10–20.
Seed/Fruit:
The reddish-brown fruit is an oval winged samara, orbicular to obovate, slightly notched at the top, 12–18 mm (1/2–3/4 in) long, the single, central seed coated with red-brown hairs, naked elsewhere.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
Moist upland forests
Parts Used:
Inner bark
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Moistening
Medicinal Uses:
U. rubra is a traditional remedy for the management of skin disorders. It is also a good choice for soothing and toning the mucus membranes of the body. Native Americans use(d) it to treat wounds, ulcers, boils, and burns. It also works quite well at treating lung/respiratory disorders. It is effective at treating coughs, but it is not an antitussive, in that it works by toning and soothing the sinus, throat, and lung mucosa, which in turn eliminates the need to cough. It is also an effective treatment for bowel disorders such as diarrhea, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and UC (ulcerative colitis).
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Herbal Preparations For Ulmus rubra
Cold Infusion
Part Used: Inner Bark
Plant State: Fresh or dried powdered
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped bark, or 1 ounce of dried powdered bark, into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with clear, cold, water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 4-6 oz As Needed
Tincture
Part Used: Inner Bark
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh inner bark, then pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 45-90 drops up to 3 times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Inner Bark
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried bark into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 45-90 drops up to 3 times daily
