The efficacy and function of elm bark

Speaking of elm bark, I believe many friends know it because it has a good effect in treating diseases. However, some friends do not know the specific effects of elm bark, so let’s take a detailed look at the effects of elm bark here.

[Source] It is the phloem of the bark or root bark of the elm tree , a plant of the Ulmus pumila family. Cut off old branches in spring or between August and September, peel off the inner bark immediately and dry it.

[Original form] Elm (Tao Hongjing), also known as: powder (The Book of Songs), white elm (Mao Shi Zhuan), white elm (Erya), zero elm (Ben Jing), elm (Erya with Guo Pu's note), elm money tree (Compendium of Materia Medica for Famine Relief), sky-drilling elm, money elm, and family elm.

[Habitat distribution] It grows on river banks, ridges and roadsides; it also grows on foothills and sandy land. It is distributed in most parts of our country.

[Chemical composition] Contains β-sitosterol, phytosterol, stigmasterol and other sterols as well as tannins, gums and fatty oils.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, neutral.

【Meridian】 ① "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Hand and foot sun meridians, hand yangming meridians."

【Functions and indications】Diuresis, relieving stranguria and reducing swelling. It is used to treat urinary obstruction, stranguria, edema, carbuncle on the back, erysipelas, and scabies.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 1.5 to 3 qian; or grind into powder. For external use: decoct in water for washing, mash and apply, or grind into powder and apply.

【Note】 People with weak stomach qi and coldness should take this medicine with caution.

[Additional prescription] ① Treating bleeding in urine and pain in the urinary canal: 3 liang of elm bark (filed), 1 he of winter melon seeds, 2 liang of talc, 1 liang each of pyrrosia (remove the hair), superbus (use the spike), and raw and dried Rehmannia root. Coarsely pound and sieve the above six ingredients. Take 5 qian of it each time. Add 1.5 cups of water and boil until 60% of it is left. Remove the residue and add 0.5 qian of penny of brush ash. Stir well and take it while warm before meals. (Ulmus pumila bark soup from Shengji Zonglu)

【Explanations by various scholars】 "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Elm bark and elm leaves are both slippery and descending in nature, so they are suitable for people with urinary obstruction, swelling of the five stranguria, wheezing, coughing, insomnia, and various symptoms of menstruation and pregnancy. The Ten Prescriptions of Materia Medica says that slippery herbs can remove stagnation, and winter melon seeds and elm bark are also used for their ability to open the orifices, penetrate dampness and heat, and eliminate tangible objects. They are suitable for people with strong and congested qi. If the stomach is cold and weak, long-term use of them may cause loss of true qi."

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Materia Medica"; Ben Jing; 1. Tao Hongjing: (Ulmus white bark) is to peel the bark of the elm tree, scrape off the red skin, and it can also be used temporarily.

The above introduces some basic knowledge about Ulmus pumila bark. I believe many people will have a better understanding of Ulmus pumila bark after reading it. There are many other medicinal herbs that we often come into contact with in our daily lives. If you have time, you might as well learn more about them.