(Slippery Elm.)

Origin. - The inner bark of Ulmus fulva Michaux, a medium-sized tree, from 30 to 60 feet (9-18 M.) high, found in the United States and Canada.

Description and Properties. - In flat pieces, varying in length and width, about 1/8 inch (3 Mm.) thick, tough, pale-brownish white, the inner surface finely ridged; fracture fibrous and mealy; the transverse section delicately checkered; odor slight, peculiar; taste mucilaginous, insipid.

Official Preparation. Mucilago Ulmi - Mucilaginis Ulmi - Mucilage of Elm. - Dose, freely.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Elm is a decided demulcent and possesses nutritive properties. It is pleasant to the taste and does not readily disturb the stomach. It is principally used as a demulcent in diseases of the gastro-intestinal and genitourinary tracts, as diarrhea, dysentery, cystitis, urethritis, etc. The fibrous bark is molded into tents used to dilate the neck of the uterus, fistulous openings, etc.

In the form of troches (elm lozenges) ulmus is excellent in the treatment of sore throat.