The efficacy and function of elm bark

The world is full of wonders, and Chinese medicinal materials are also varied and varied. Here I would like to introduce to you a Chinese medicinal material - Elm Bark.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the bark and root bark of Ulmus pumila of the Ulmus family.

[Original form] Deciduous tree, up to 10m tall. The bark is gray, rough and deeply grooved; the annual branches are densely covered with short hairs; the twigs have thick and long thorns, 1.5-8cm long, with light brown lenticels. Leaves are alternate; petioles are 1-4mm long, densely covered with short hairs; stipules fall off early; leaf blades are elliptical or elliptical-oblong, 2-6cm long, 1-3cm wide, gradually pointed and slightly rounded at both ends, with coarse serrations on the edges, covered with deciduous pubescence on the upper side, leaving round black indentations after the pubescence falls off, and sparse pubescence along the veins on the lower side, which gradually falls off later; variegated leaves and flowers open at the same time. Flowers are heterosexual (bisexual and unisexual flowers on the same plant), 1-4 flowers born in the bract axils of branchlets and the lower leaf axils; perianth is fused, 4-5-lobed in the upper part; stamens 4 (even 5), anthers 2-loculed; pistil skewed, styles 2. The samaras are yellow-green, flat, with crooked wings, two lobes at the top to form a chicken's beak, and a persistent calyx at the base. The flowering period is April-May, and the fruiting period is July-September.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown at the foot of mountains and on hillside roadsides, usually planted near villages.

[Properties] Identification of properties: This product is in the shape of flat plates or pieces with both sides slightly rolled inwards, with a thickness of 2-7mm. The outer surface is dark gray, rough and has deep strip-shaped grooves; the inner surface is gray-brown and smooth. Easy to break, fibrous cross section. It has a faint smell and a light, slightly astringent taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; pungent; slightly cold

【Functions and indications】Detoxification and swelling reduction. Mainly used for sores, carbuncle, swelling and poison; poisonous snake bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3-6g. For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh ones for application.

[Additional prescription] "Compendium of Materia Medica": "The elm tree with thorns is called thorny elm." "The Book of Songs" says: "There is (艸箭) on the mountain." Or it is "箭." "Erya": "(艸箭), 荎." Guo Pu's note says: "Today's thorny elm." "Guangya" says: "挃, thorn." 挃 and 荎 have the same pronunciation and meaning. The word "荎" means thorn, so the elm is named "荎". "Guangya" says: "Zheyu is the elm with long thorns." Note: "Shuowen" says "Zheyu is the mulberry tree." It actually refers to the mulberry tree with long thorns. Duan Yucai said, "Zhe is also called Zhesang." Therefore, the elm tree with thorns is also called Zheyu. Gai and Zhe are the changes of one tone, and their meanings are also similar. "Dialects: "Any grass or tree that pricks people...from the pass to the east is called a thorn. "Guangya": "Geng means admonition." "Lu Yanji's note in "Wenxuan·Zhang Heng's <Fu of Western Capital>": "The thorns on a tree are called stems. "Therefore, Zheyu and Gengyu both refer to the thorny elm.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

I believe that through the detailed introduction of elm bark in this article, everyone can understand the efficacy and medicinal properties of elm bark. I hope this helps you all.