Herbs Are My World, Slippery Elm Bark, 20g

The slippery elm belongs to the elm family (Ulmaceae). It is a deciduous tree with a wide crown that can reach up to 10 m in height. Leaves are alternate, with soft, hairy texture, and the tree blooms from February to March in damp places.

Properties

The bark contains tannins, mucilage and bitter substances, and the tree’s sap contains calcium carbonate and potassium oxalate. The bark is used for skin conditions such as acne, fistulae, itching, eczema, psoriasis, scabies and rheumatism. Both the bark and leaves are used in medicinal preparations for internal and external use, and their combination yields optimal results.

Dosage & Uses

• Infusion: leave the herb in hot water for 15 minutes, strain and drink.

• Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons herb per cup of tea 3 times a day.

• Alternatively: soak 30-40g of chopped bark and leaves in 1 litre water for 1 hour, boil 5-10 minutes, leave 10 minutes covered, strain, sweeten if desired, and drink one glass 3 times daily before meals.

• External use: For compresses use a stronger infusion (100g bark+leaves per litre), and for skin applications, mix 30g powdered bark with 100g almond oil, heat in bain-marie for 1-2 hours, cool and apply.

Precautions / Contraindications

No side effects recorded.