Elm Leaves are the leaves of elm trees, which belong to the Elm family. They are mainly distributed in central and southern China, southwestern China, as well as in Shaanxi, Gansu, Jiangsu, and other regions. They often grow on slopes, roadsides, or near houses. They have a bitter and cold taste. The medicinal effects and treatments of elm leaves in traditional Chinese medicine are as follows:
Elm Leaves
Elm Leaves
【Source】 "Chinese Materia Medica"
【Research】 From "Tang Materia Medica"
【Characteristics】 Bitter; cold in nature
【Collection】 Harvest in summer or autumn, use fresh or sun-dry
【Origin】 Leaves of elm trees in the Elm family
【Ecological Environment】 Often grow on slopes, roadsides, or near houses
【Distribution】 Distributed in central and southern China, southwestern China, as well as in Shaanxi, Gansu, Jiangsu, Anhui; Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Tibet, and other regions.
Plant Morphology of Elm Leaves
Plant Morphology of Elm Leaves
Elm trees are tall and can reach up to 25 meters in height. The branches of one-year-old trees are densely covered with soft hairs. The leaves are alternate, have a tough paper texture, and a petiole that is 1-4mm long. They have no stipules. The leaf blades are elliptic-ovate, narrow ovate, or lanceolate, measuring 2-10cm in length and 1.5-4cm in width. The apex is gradually pointed, and the base is wide wedge-shaped or nearly circular. The upper surface is rough and covered with deciduous stiff hairs, while the lower surface is densely covered with soft hairs. The margin has single serrations, and there are 7-15 pairs of lateral veins. The flowers are unisexual or rarely polygamous, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers cluster in the leaf axils or bract axils of the lower part of new branches, while the female flowers, 1-3 in number, grow in the leaf axils of the upper part of new branches. The flower has 4-5 petals, and the stamens are the same number as the petals and opposite to them. The female flower has only one pistil, with a one-celled ovary and two oblique styles. The upper part of the nut is inclined, with a diameter of 2.5-4mm. The flowering period is from March to April, and the fruiting period is from October to November.
Identification of Elm Leaves as Medicinal Materials
The leaves are often wrinkled and shriveled. After being flattened, they are oblong-ovate or lanceolate, measuring 2-10cm in length and 1-4cm in width. The upper surface is greenish-brown, rough, and has deciduous stiff hairs. The lower surface is slightly lighter in color and densely covered with light gray hairs. The veins are obvious on the lower surface, with 7-15 pairs of lateral veins. The margin has wavy serrations, and the petiole is 1-4mm long. The leaves are papery, brittle, and easily breakable.
Image of Elm Leaves
Medicinal Effects and Treatments of Elm Leaves
1. Clear heat and detoxify; cool the blood.
2. Treat hemorrhoids with swelling and pain; treat excessive menstruation with abdominal pain.
Functions and Indications of Elm Leaves
1. "Tang Materia Medica": The tender leaves are effective in treating inflamed sores when applied as a poultice.
2. "Ri Hua Zi Materia Medica": Used to treat swollen and ulcerated sores, pounded with salt.
3. Yao Kecheng's "Food Materia Medica": Used as a cooling drink for the heart and lungs; used as a poultice for burns.
