SLIPPERY ELM — SMARTWEED. I43 



SLIPPERY ELM. Ulmus fulva. 



Synonym — Red Elm, Moose Elm. 



Part used — Bark. 



Action — Diuretic, emollient, demulcent, pectoral. 

 One of the most valuable articles in the botanic practice 

 and should be in every household. The finely powdered 

 bark makes an excellent gruel or food and may be used 

 as such in all cases of weakness, inflammation of the 

 stomach, bronchitis, bleeding of the lungs, consump- 

 tion, &c. It has a wonderfully soothing and healing 

 action on all the parts it comes in contact with, and in 

 addition possesses as much nutrition as is contained in 

 oatmeal. The food or gruel should be made as follows: 

 Take a teaspoonful of the powder, mix well with the 

 same quantity of powdered sugar and add 1 pint boiling 

 water slowly, mixing as it is poured on. This may be 

 flavoured with cinnamon or nutmeg to suit the taste 

 and makes a very wholesome and sustaining food for 

 infants. The coarse powder forms the finest poultice 

 to be obtained for all inflamed surfaces, ulcers, wounds, 

 burns, boils, skin diseases, purulent ophthalmia, chil- 

 blains, &c. It soothes the parts, disperses the 

 inflammation, draws out impurities, and heals speedily. 

 We cannot speak too highly of this remedy and are 

 confident there is nothing to equal it in the world for its 

 above-mentioned uses. Inflammation in the bowels of 

 infants and adults has been cured when all other 

 remedies have failed, by an injection into the bowels 

 of an infusion of 1 ounce of powdered bark to a pint of 

 boiling water, used while warm. 



SMARTWEED. Polygonum Hydropiper. 



Synonym — Water Pepper, Arsesmart. 



Part used — Herb, leaves. 



Action — Stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue. Used 

 principally for obstructions of the menses, amenorrhoea, 

 &c. The infusion made by pouring a pint of cold water 

 upon 1 ounce of leaves is taken in wineglassful doses. 



Preparations — Fluid extract : Dose, 1-2 drachms. 

 Tincture : Dose, 2-4 drachms. 



