Slippery Elm Bark Benefits and Side Effects

Elm trees may be found growing throughout the eastern United States and even into Canada. They are especially found in the Appalachian Mountain region. The Dutch elm disease that ravaged so many of the other species did not affect the slippery elm much. It is also called sweet elm, red elm (because of the wood color), moose elm, and Indian elm.

Slippery Elm is different from the American Elm in that it has hairy buds and very short-stalked flowers. The Slippery Elm grows to a height of 30 to 60 feet and the leaves are about 6 inches long. They grow alternately on the branch, and have a coarsely double-serrated edge and a rough texture. The flowers grow in clusters of ten to twenty, appearing before the leaves in early spring. The fruit contains a single central seed and is half an inch long.

Poachers destroy thousands of slippery elms by stripping the bark in mid June to early July when it is especially easy to peel. Then they sell it for its medicinal value, getting their cut in the $23 billion dollar herb industry in the United States.

Some believe slippery elm has abortafaciant capabilities. When the bark is moistened and inserted into a pregnant woman’s uterus, she may abort her baby. This practice resulted in so called “Elm Stick Laws” in many states limiting the size of the bark sold. Because slippery elm bark may have this effect, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid using slippery elm. This is the only caution known in taking the herb.

Elm was used by colonists to make pudding, to thicken jelly, to preserve grease, and as a survival food on long trips. It was used medicinally to treat toothaches, skin injuries, gout, arthritis, stomachaches, coughs, and intestinal worms.

The inner bark was also used to waterproof baskets, canoes, and dwellings. As mentioned above, in times of famine, early American settlers used it as a survival food. George Washington’s troops survived partly on slippery elm gruel during their winter at Valley Forge.

The fibrous inner bark is a strong and durable fiber, which can be spun into thread, twine or rope. Once cured, the wood is ideal for making matchless fires with the bow drill method; the wood grinds into a very fine, flammable powder under friction. Slippery elm bark can also be used for jewelry, bowstrings, ropes, snowshoe bindings, clothing, woven mats, and can be used to make some musical instruments. The interlocking grain of the wood made it a natural shock absorber when used for the hubs of wagon wheels, for it acted as a natural shock absorber.

Taken internally, slippery elm bark is used to relieve gastrointestinal conditions, ulcers, and respiratory irritations. The bark also contains a substance that is used by some as a remedy for sore throats or as a cough medicine. External uses include treatment of skin conditions, vaginitis, and hemorrhoids. It will also make the skin smoother and softener.

The recommended dosage is three 500 mg capsules daily for adults. Tea can be made with one part slippery elm powder to eight parts water. It can also be added to oatmeal or juice. For a poultice, add coarse powdered bark to boiling water. Apply to the needed area when cool. For children, remember that herbal dosages are generally calculated for a 150 lb adult. If a child weighs 50 lb, the correct dose is 1/3 of the adult dosage.

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