MEDICINAL PLANTS

The elm tree is a fine figure, belonging to the Ulmaceae family. Usually achieve very respectable heights. The trunk is covered by a corky bark, which is where we get the products of therapeutic interest. The branches are smooth and corky and have alternate leaves, shiny and ovate, crossed by numerous veins and serrated edges. The flowers are small and reddish. The fruit consists of a samara that contains a seed. One grows naturally in thickets and banks, preferring fresh land and deep. Usually forms large elm, unless they were intermingled with other trees such as poplar or alder, being then mixed woods.

FLOWERING

Flowers during winter and spring. This tree is the question that concerns the cortex, which is gathered when you are at least two years, since before is not very rich in active principles. When starting the tree begins to dry in the sun, then spray it and store it in sealed containers.

APPLICATIONS

In the bark of the elm are up to 3% of tannins, along with fitosterina, mucilage and a bitter principle. For the amount of tannins it contains, the elm bark is very astringent. It also has antidiarrheal properties, demulcent and anti-inflammatory. Externally is also used for all types of skin diseases, like eczema, herpes, itching, etc.. The virtues of elm were already known since ancient times. Dioscorides referred to him in his book "Materia Medica" is so broad virtues attributed to heal any wounds and scabies. He even mentions that this amazing tree leaves could be eaten by way of vegetables. Finally, we discuss a disease that is ravaging all the elms in Europe: we refer to "elm graphiosis" produced by a parasite. For several years, all experts in the world struggle to achieve eradication of this disease that is killing almost the entire population of elms in Europe. The parasite responsible for the epidemic is called "ceratocistys ulmi.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. It uses a dessert spoon per cup. Boil for 5 minutes and take 2 to 3 cups a day.
Decoction to swallow. Elm is a cleanser that is prepared as follows: a pot is poured into a liter and a quart of water with 8 gr. Of bark is boiled until the liquid is reduced to a quart or so. It is filtered after tuning is slightly sweetened and drunk from 2 to 5 cups a day.
Ointment. Mix thoroughly a little Vaseline and of elm bark powder in equal parts. The ointment thus obtained is applied externally on eczema, sores and wounds.
Ointment. They hold 45 gr. Powdered bark and added to 150 gr. Olive oil, the mixture is heated in a water bath and repeat the operation. On the third day, after repeated operation of the previous days, the oil is strained through a cloth, squeezed and put back into the water bath, adding about 40 grams. Virgin wax and stirring until mixture is smooth. Once fine, we already have the ointment. Used for wounds, ulcers and, in general, various skin conditions.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ulmaceae
HABITAT: Areas submountain
FLOWERING: Winter and spring
PART USED: Bark
CASTILIAN: Álamo negrillo, almudela
CATALAN: Alm, om
BASQUE: Zumarr
GALICIAN: Mosqueiro

USES

Strong astringent, Antidiarrheal Moderate, Mild inflammatory.