The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Elm, Slippery

ELM, Slippery, in medicine, the bark of Ulmus fulva, is widely used as a demulcent. It is probable that the ancient Indian inhabitants of the country introduced it into medicine. Slippery elm bark is noted for the large amount of mucilage which it contains, thus rendering it a pleasing demulcent for sore throat, diarhœa, dysentery, and inflammation of the intestinal tract in general.