Gathering and Utilizing Slippery Elm Bark for Various Purposes
The Slippery Elm tree, native to much of the Eastern and Central United States (Ulmus rubra), has been a source of medicinal remedies for centuries. This tree, whose leaves come down to a rather abrupt point, resembling an extra tail hanging off the end of the leaf, has been a staple in the traditional Native American pharmacopeia.
Slippery Elm bark has been used for soothing and healing purposes for many generations. Native Americans utilised its bark to coat and calm irritated tissues, particularly for healing wounds, boils, and burns. It can be used externally as a salve or poultice, or internally as a tea or herbal supplement.
The bark can be harvested from low branches or coppicing stumps from fallen trees, ensuring sustainability. When harvesting from a tree that has already been cut, a draw knife is used to scrape off the outer bark. The outer bark can be removed by rolling up a strip and peeling off the pieces, while the inner bark can be dried for later use and peeled apart into narrower strips to aid in drying and grinding.
One of the most common uses of Slippery Elm bark is to soothe the digestive tract. A gruel made out of the powdered bark is said to be comforting to the elderly and ill, while Slippery Elm bark tea is used to treat constipation, diarrhoea, gastric reflux, sore throat, and stomach pain. Slippery Elm bark is also sold as a herbal supplement to treat sensitive stomachs.
In addition to its digestive benefits, Slippery Elm bark is thought to help speed bone healing. Taking a pudding thickened with the powdered bark is believed to aid in this process. Slippery Elm bark lozenges, made by mixing the powdered bark with honey and water, can be used to soothe a sore throat and digestive tract.
It is important to note that harvesting slippery elm bark from a living tree is unethical and unsustainable. It is best to only harvest from fallen trees or coppicing stumps.
Slippery Elm bark has many other medicinal counterparts in the edible tree world, such as willow and birch. However, the versatility and historical significance of Slippery Elm make it a standout in the field of natural remedies.
Native Americans also used moistened strips of Slippery Elm bark as bandages for wounds, demonstrating its multi-faceted uses. Today, Slippery Elm continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking natural remedies for various ailments.
To make Slippery Elm bark lozenges, dissolve 1 tablespoon of honey in 1/4 cup of water or herbal tea, and then mix with 1/2 cup slippery elm bark powder. This simple recipe offers a natural and effective solution for soothing a sore throat.
In conclusion, the Slippery Elm tree, with its medicinal properties, has been a valuable resource for centuries. Its versatility and historical significance make it an important part of the natural remedies available today.
