Ulmus Rubra or more commonly known as Slippery Elm is a large sprawling tree that comes from the family of Ulmaceae, Kingdom Plantae. It is also known by other names, such as Red Elm and Indian Elm. It is native to Canada, but can also be found in Central and Eastern part of the United States. It flourishes in moist conditions and could be normally be found near water streams.
Characteristics:
It is 60 feet in height.
It has rough ovate shaped leaves that have red veins.
The bell-like flowers are stalkless and have a yellowish hue.
The inner back is lined with a reddish interior.
It produces fruits that look like seeds.
Its hermaphrodite and could self-reproduce via pollination.
Uses:
The use of Slippery Elms could be traced back to the 19th century. Native Americans are the first to discover its many uses. Here are some of its other applications:
Wood work
Elm falls under the category of hardwoods. It is used as timbers in building cabins and furniture making. In the earlier years, it has been used as kindling in fireplaces and sometimes cooking.
Bows for Archery
The wood that this tree produces is highly resilient and could withstand tension due to its interlocking grain. Most bow manufacturers use this wood in producing high-quality bows.
Twine or thread
The fibers found in the bark of this tree are durable. It is often found in ropes, woven mats, clothing and sometimes musical instruments.
Herbal Medicine
Slippery Elm has been used by Native Americans for generations. In fact, it is one of the herbal medicines that is acknowledged by United States Pharmacopoeia. Here’s a quick rundown on how you could use it:
Leaf
Fresh leaves are crushed and turned into poultice. It could be applied directly on bruised areas to minimize further skin damage. It could also be dried and pulverized and served as tea. It produces a calming effect that could help cure stomach ache, diarrhea, and constipation.
Bark
The bark is the most crucial part of this tree. During the Civil Wars, it was used as a first aid in treating gunshot wounds. Its antiseptic property prevents infection from spreading. And the mucus produced by the bark acts as a natural dressing to stop the wound from further bleeding.
Adding powdered bark in boiling water and drinking it like tea is also beneficial. According to some studies, it could help treat gastritis, Urinary tract infections and other lung-related diseases such as bronchitis.
Can Slippery Elm help cure gynecomastia?
Hormonal imbalance is the main source of gynecomastia. The male body produces more estrogen than testosterone, which in turn, makes the chest look more developed and pronounced.
The bark of the Slippery Elm tree is loaded with vitamins such as Zinc, which is known to boost the production of testosterone. Adding this to your diet might help equalize the imbalance and could possibly help cure your gynecomastia. Still, it would be wise to consult a health professional before taking this natural remedy.
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