Botanical Name: Ulmus fulva
Common Names and Synonyms: Indian Elm, Moose Elm, Red Elm, Sweet
Background: Native to North America, the slippery elm tree can
grow to 80 feet tall. The rough outer bark is reddish brown to dark
brown. The inner bark is the only part used. The slippery qualities
of the inner bark give the tree its name. The large leaves are unevenly
toothed, dark green, and rough to the touch. The orange-tipped flower buds
open into cluster at the branch ends. Although these trees once were
common, they have been ravaged by the Dutch Elm Disease. The inner
bark of the slippery elm was used by the Indians for diarrhea, fevers,
and intestinal complaints. The mucilaginous properties are soothing
to a sensitive intestinal tract. The faun-colored inner bark was also made
into a powder and mixed with water to be used as a poultice for relief
from painful wounds or boils. The Creek Indians used the bark as
a toothache remedy. The early settlers sometimes survived on the elm bark
when food or game was scarce.
Slippery Elm in the Cayce Readings
Edgar Cayce recommended slippery elm bark be dissolved in water for gastro-intestinal
healing. This herb was consistently prescribed for skin conditions
such as psoriasis to heal the walls of the small intestine ("leaky gut
syndrome") which the readings often cited as the source of the problem.
Slippery elm bark was mentioned in 170 readings between 1911-1944 with
peak utilization in 1924 (17 readings).
Cayce Quotes on Slippery Elm
Slippery elm water often used in conjunction with other substances intended
to heal the gastro-intestinal tract, most often, yellow saffron water (108
readings), olive oil (36 readings) and chamomile tea (9 readings).
To remove the condition as we have over the system,
take that into the system, into the intestines and stomach, those of a
nature which acts to the rebuilding of forces and as an absorbent to remove
the acidity state in the stomach and intestines: First, into the
system what we have now; plenty of water. Cleanse out as much as
possible. Then to the system that of water carrying the cellular
force of elm. That is, water produced from the bark of the elm, to
act as a rebuilding force to the mucus coat of the intestine and lower
We would add to the properties as now given elm
water, giving to the lower portions of the stomach more of the lactic fluids
to be acted upon, so that absorption becomes proper into the amount of
new blood force as acted upon by the carbon or air taken into the lungs.
This acts directed and through the diaphragm and duodenum in this portion
of the body.
Let the water that is used carry junket or elm to
form healing through the duodenum and the rest of the system and intestines,
with relaxation and rest to the body if we would relieve this body.
First, we would not take any water into the system
that does not carry with it the elm bark or slippery elm: 4 grains
of the bark, ground, to a glass of water, with the water cool and only
give just when it is ready to be taken, just enough to be sufficient to
prevent so much fermentation taking place in the stomach, and to assist
the stomach to give out to the system those properties so much needed in
assisting the circulation ...
Also well if the water that is drunk carries the
properties of elm bark. This, we see, will empty the stomach, and
at the same time act as a sedative and soothing to the parts that are suffering
from this condition.