Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

English Elm (Ulmus procera) has a historical reputation in traditional herbal medicine for treating external ulcerations and wounds. This use is primarily rooted in folk and traditional practices rather than modern scientific validation. The inner bark of various elm species, particularly Ulmus fulva (slippery elm), has been more widely referenced in North American traditions, but English Elm has also been used in European herbalism. The bark was historically poulticed or applied as an ointment to soothe irritated skin, help with wound healing, and manage ulcers, likely due to its mucilaginous (gel-like) properties which can form a protective layer over tissues.

Despite the traditional application, there is a lack of robust clinical or laboratory evidence specifically supporting the efficacy of English Elm for external ulcerations. Most references to elm bark’s medicinal use focus on slippery elm, not English Elm, and even in those cases, modern studies are limited. Historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical records provide the bulk of evidence for this application. Therefore, the use of English Elm for external ulcerations is justified by tradition, with moderate, but not strong, anecdotal and historical support, and little to no modern scientific validation.

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