Day 21: Wych Elm tea

Ulmus glabra

I remember being on a compassionate connection healing retreat about a decade ago. This is when I first met wych elm. There was a beautiful white iron bench underneath the tree that had enough space to really spread its branches. I sat there for many a restorative pause and it was the seeds that caught my eyes as they were growing on low branches on this particular individual.

Spending time in this beautiful garden helped to regulate my nervous system with all I was learning and releasing. It listened to the birdsong and studied the trees intently. I saw how resilient they are, continuing to flourish year after year. I saw their individual beauty, and how they related to each other.

Recognised that, even though genetically an elm will always be an elm, no one tree expresses itself in the same way. Many environmental factors influence how much space it can take up, which way it can grow, and how much it’s supported by those around it.  

There were trees with blemishes and scars, some with tremendous losses. And yet they kept on flourishing year after year. They had recovered from adversity and their individual expression told a story. A story of their life, their perspective, their place in this world.

Sitting with wych elm reminds me of the power of nature to hold and heal. This is how it is for me. I have learned so much from immersing myself in nature.

ID features

If you’re not familiar with elm leaves, they could be perhaps mistaken for hazel. Wych elm leaves are rough and have an asymmetric base with no stalk. They are toothed and pointed. Hazel leaves are much broader.

The fruit grows in bright green clusters, with around 3 clusters per small twig. Each fruit contains just one seed. The seed is in the centre of what is referred to as a wing, which is essentially two translucent layers stuck together to hold the seed in place.   

The wings, (samara’s), are meant to aid their wind dispersal, however, I’ve only seen them get dropped in clusters directly below the tree. This is my main way of identifying wych elm in places I walk through all the seasons. The seed clusters carpet the floor after April winds.

Medicinal uses

You may have heard of slippery elm bark. It was once used as a baby weening food because it is nutritious and protects the gut lining. It is sold in health food shops.

It is a demulcent that can be used internally and externally. This means that it provides a protective layer on the gut mucosa, (skin of gut), which protects against further damage and allows for healing.

This protective layer is effective for soothing sore irritated throats, especially where there is a dry cough, and also reduces reflux.

Slippery elm bark is sold as a powder that can be made into a paste by adding some water. It soaks up the water and makes a jelly-like substance. This is what makes it so effective.

It also means that it can be used as a drawing paste for splinters.

How to make a cuppa

I didn’t harvest the inner bark but have bought it many times. We love it in our household and see it as a treat. It is yummy. My eldest is particularly partial to it, especially when made into a milky drink.

I picked 3 clusters of fruits for my teacup, each cluster bearing around 20 fruits. I also ate the remains of the tea after I’d finished drinking. The seeds contain protein and oils which there’s no point in wasting.

Taste

As a tea made with the fruits, it is clear that it is a mucilaginous plant. The tea is silky in the mouth and slightly sweet. The seeds taste like other fresh seeds do, similar to those of pumpkin; sweet and buttery.

I’d say this tea is more about the texture than the taste and it is a pleasant experience. They also make tasty foragers snacks.

Cautions

It is important to source slippery elm from sustainable sources, as commercial use has made it endangered in the wild where it has been wildcrafted without adequate consideration.

Click the button below to listen to my:

Wych Elm Audio Reflections

 For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

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£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

 Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk