Day 9 Herb of the Day Slippery Elm!
Magic and Medicinals. What our ancestors knew by The Magic Apothecary, Mary Elizabeth Micari
Disclaimer: The following information is of an educational and general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult appropriate written and professional sources to answer questions related to your individual situation. Exercising one’s rights often entails some element of risk, and you should verify all information relevant to your situation before acting; the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for any loss incurred as a consequence of the use of any information herein.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Slippery elm as a healing herb has a great ability to reduce inflammation, soothe indigestion, heal the skin, eliminate infections, reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, boost eye health, protect from ulcers, detoxify the body, aid in oral health, and improve respiratory health.
The slippery elm is known as Ulmus rubra and it is native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Ulmus family and is also known by other names, including red elm, gray elm, and Indian elm. In the United States, it is widely cultivated to harvest its bark, which can be ground into a pulp or dried and used as a powder. This tree was used for many medicinal purposes by Native Americans, and some traditional herbalists and alternative practitioners still rely on slippery elm for a wide range of health problems today. Scientific research is limited on this, but records kept have shown that it may be very helpful overall.
One of the most active ingredients in slippery elm is mucilage. Mucilage is what creates the pulp or what some call “gruel” used in traditional medicine systems. The bark can also be dried and added to liquids as a powder. Some people take it as a supplement in capsule form.
One of the primary uses for slippery elm is as a digestive aid. The mucilage found in its bark is perfect for soothing the digestive tract and eliminating inflammation, primarily the type that causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is also a very large amount of fibrous tissue found in the bark, which can help to bulk up the stool and eliminate issues like diarrhea. It can be sued as a gastrointestinal aid for many illnesses. It has been used this way for thousands of years.
Slippery elm has traditionally been used to calm sore throats. The anti-inflammatory compounds of the in it can reduce irritation. Creating a pulp of the mucilage is the best approach for this remedy, but drinking a powdered mixture will also work well! This is a very fast acting treatment and as a singer and voice teacher I can attest to the fact that it works in tea or in lozenges.
There are many other nutrients found in slippery elm beside mucilage. Iron which is crucial for the production of red blood cells is found in the bark. This can increase circulation, and boost oxygenation of important parts of the body. When combined with potassium, which is also in the bark you may be able to help the cardiovascular system.
Slippery Elm bark can aid injuries such as burns and abrasion. For centuries Native Americans made salves and balms to help speed the healing process. It has minerals as well as antioxidant compounds.
If you have suffered from burns, have noticeable scars, or generally poor skin health, slippery elm can be a wonderful remedy. The antioxidants and unique vitamins of this herbal salve can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate free radicals from the upper skin layers, and even heal age spots. Furthermore, just as it does for wounds, it can help protect the skin from infections of various types, acting as the first line of defense for the body.
Slippery elm is that it is high in certain acids and coats the lining of the intestines; this means that for gastrointestinal problems like ulcers it is a great aid.
There is some evidence suggesting that slippery elm can be used as a diuretic. It might be able to aid in removal of toxins and excess salts and water from the body boosting kidney healthy and helping the function of the metabolism.
One of the most valuable effects of slippery elm are its anti-inflammatory talents. Works well well for heartburn and hemorrhoids. The strong effect of slippery elm in treating or lessening the severity of these conditions is well documented and widely relied on in alternative medicine circles.
When the balm or salve of slippery elm is applied to a pulled muscle, bruise, or other painful areas of the body, relief is rapid and effective. The antioxidant and analgesic components of slippery elm can quickly soothe the pain.
Although this is obviously a highly controversial, slippery elm is a key component in Essiac, a common herbal treatment for various types of cancers. Research into the antioxidant effects of slippery elm has been widely conducted and the conclusions are still uncertain, so this possible health benefit should never be used alone and must still be used in conjunction with medical treatment for these illnesses.
One of the most popular uses of slippery elm has been as a salve for oral health. If you feel a tooth infection coming on, or have pain in your gums, you can apply some slippery elm to the cap of the tooth and the surrounding gums to prevent infection and relieve pain through the anti-inflammatory properties!
WORDS OF CAUTION
Slippery elm can be too intense for people with sensitive skin, so when first applying a salve or balm, check what your skin’s reaction is before adding more. The skin’s reactions, however, are typically mild, but you should discontinue use if you experience irritation, itchiness, or redness.
NOT FOR USE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE PREMATURE LABOR. SLIPPERY ELM IS BANNED IN THE UK. PLEASE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ANY HERB OR SUPPLEMENT.
MAGICAL USES:
Saturn, Feminine Energy, Element of Air
Slipper Elm halts Gossip. It can be used to stop gossip and slander and supposedly can make one impervious to it. It will stop back biting family members, jealous co-workers and false frinds who might want to make trouble in your love life. Some people will use some in the corners of their homes to rid the premises of evil. If you like you can make a charm to be worn about the neck of a child to help with learning speech and to be a persuasive speaker later in life. If you like you can tie a knotted yellow thread around slippery elm and throw it into a fire to cease all gossip about you. The herb can be useful in exorcism, protection, spell breaking and more. It may be of great service when attending ceremonies that demand long hours of chanting and praying.
Here’s an interesting spell!
Invisibility Spell Powder
You’ll need:
– mortar and pestle
– cauldron or potion pot
– almond tincture
– 1 part Fern leaf, dried
– 1 part Poppy seeds
– 2 parts Slippery Elm powder
– 1 part Myrrh
– 1 part Marjoram, dried
– 3 parts Dillweed, fresh if possible
Below is a tried and true recipe for an invisibility manifesting preparation. Although it is presented as a powder, to be strewn, burned, or carried, the herbs given could just as well be concocted into a potion, oil, or tincture
At Dark Moon, in a mortar and pestle, grind together:
1 part Fern leaf, dried 1 part Poppy seeds
Add
2 parts Slippery Elm powder 1 part Myrrh 1 part Marjoram, dried 3 parts Dillweed, fresh if possible
Grind all together, mixing well.
Add 9 drops almond tincture (almond cooking extract is great.) with enough spring water to make everything barely moist, and mix in well. Place in a ceramic bowl, spreading as thinly as possible, and dry the mixture over low heat, stirring it occasionally, until it seems lightly browned. Pour back into mortar, and grind again, enchanting:
Things Seen, and Things Not Seen: Let me walk here in between.
When finely powdered, store in a clear glass container. It will keep its power for years. Sprinkle, just a little bit, on yourself, objects, or in a place to be made invisible.
I find this all very fascinating, don’t you? I mean…protection of the body, the home, the person! It cleanses, makes one invisible to slanderous people and lies and heals your throat to boot! I have a lot of it here and plan to use it a whole lot more!
The Magic Apothecary \Green Witchcraft and Healing 