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SUPPLEMENTS HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

Benefits of Slippery Elm

An Herbal Treatment Believed to Treat Sore Throat
and IBS
By Brittany Lubeck, RD Updated on July 23, 2023

Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND

Table of Contents

Uses

Side Effects

Precautions

Dosage

Toxicity

VIEW ALL

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra ) is a member of the elm tree family that is
native to North America. It has been used for centuries in traditional
medicine and is thought to have health benefits—for example, it may
soothe a sore throat, treat wounds, and ease digestive disorder symptoms.
However, scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking.

For health benefits, only the inner bark of slippery elm is used. There are
substances in the inner bark that increase mucus production in the human
body. [1]

Slippery elm contains mucilage , a type of fiber that forms a gel-like

substance when it's put in water. [2] This mucilage is thought to be
responsible for many of the proposed health benefits of slippery elm.
Research on the positive effects of slippery elm is limited. Most of the
studies that have been done are old and small.

This article will review the uses of slippery elm, possible side effects,
dosage, precautions, and other information about how to use slippery elm.

Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United
States. This means the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not
approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are
marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted
third party, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF.

However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t

mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any
supplements you plan to take and check in about potential
interactions with other supplements or medications.

Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s): Slippery elm's inner bark and mucilage
Alternate name(s): Indian elm, moose elm, olmo Americano, orme, orme
gras, orme rouge, orme roux, red elm, sweet elm, Ulmus fulva, Ulmus
rubra [1]
Legal status: Legal and sold over the counter
Suggested dose: No universal dose recommendations for slippery elm
Safety considerations: Nausea and skin irritation

Uses of Slippery Elm

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare
professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare
provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Slippery elm might be useful in treating certain health conditions, but

more research is needed.
In traditional medicine, slippery elm is believed to be able to treat various
health conditions when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Possible uses for slippery elm include: [1]

Skin conditions
Sore throat
Constipation
Stomach ulcers
Gastrointestinal symptoms

Here are a few examples of what research has found about using slippery
elm for specific health conditions.

Sore Throat
Since it is a natural demulcent (a substance that relieves
inflammation or irritation), slippery elm is thought to be able to soothe a
sore throat by coating the lining of the throat and esophagus, adding a
layer of protection from irritation. [1]

Some people claim that slippery elm helps a sore throat (anecdotal
evidence), but more research is needed to prove that it can treat a sore
throat. [3]

Related: How to Treat a Sore Throat

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Advocates of slippery elm claim that it can ease many of the symptoms of
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes both ulcerative
colitis and Crohn's disease.

It’s been said that slippery elm forms a temporary protective barrier in the
intestines, but research evidence that supports that claim is mixed.

Some studies have explored whether slippery elm has anti-inflammatory

effects in inflammatory bowel disease. However, many were done in a lab
(in vitro), so researchers couldn't conclude whether the same effect would
occur in humans. Many studies also used slippery elm in combination
with other herbs, making it impossible to prove that slippery elm alone
would have the same effect. [4] [5]

Learn More: What Are the Treatment Options for IBD?

Skin Conditions
The mucilage in slippery elm has been used for dry skin or to treat
wounds when applied topically.

When put on the skin, the mucilage in slippery elm is thought to swell and
form a gooey substance, which is believed to soothe dry or inflamed skin.
This reaction may prove helpful in the treatment of minor wounds on the
skin. [6]

However, there has not been enough human research on slippery elm's
use in skin conditions or wound care. Always ask your provider before
using slippery elm or any other remedy to treat a skin condition.

Learn More: The Most Common Skin Conditions

What Are the Side Effects of Slippery Elm?

Slippery elm is thought to be a safe supplement to take, but there are still
side effects and risks to consider.

Few side effects have been reported for slippery elm but they might be
possible. Be cautious when taking slippery elm for the first time since you
will not know for sure whether you will have side effects.

An allergic reaction could occur if slippery elm is used topically. [3] It is

possible that applying slippery elm to your skin could cause skin
irritation. To avoid an allergic reaction or other possible severe side
effects, talk with your healthcare provider about how to safely use slippery
elm.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Prenatal Vitamins

slippery elm leaves

 John Macgregor / Getty Images

Precautions
It's always best to take precautions when using supplements, and that
includes slippery elm.

Since research is so limited, there is not enough reliable information

about the safety of slippery elm. You should only use slippery elm
exactly as directed by the product label or the instructions given to
you by your provider.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using slippery elm.
Some research has suggested it could cause a miscarriage. [1]

You should also take precautions if applying slippery elm directly to your
skin, since allergic reactions and skin irritation are possible. [1]

Can Kids Use Slippery Elm?

Even though some products made with slippery elm are marketed for
children, there is not enough research to know if slippery elm is safe
for kids. Caregivers should avoid giving slippery elm to children
unless a healthcare provider has recommended it.

Dosage: How Much Slippery Elm Should I Take?

There are no standard guidelines for the dosage and use of slippery elm.
Slippery elm dosage varies in the studies that have been done on the
supplement. [1]

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to

ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your
 individual needs.

As a general rule, do not take more slippery elm than is recommended on

the product label. Taking too much slippery elm could increase your risk
of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the proper dosage
for you.

Related: What Is Pau D'Arco?

What Happens if I Take Too Much Slippery

Elm?
Slippery elm is not thought to be toxic. In the research that has been done,
slippery elm has been shown to cause little to no side effects. However, it
is still possible to take too much slippery elm, and doing so could make
side effects more likely.

Always follow the directions on the supplement label or those given to you
by your provider. If you’re not sure how much is safe to take, ask your
provider to recommend a dosage.

Interactions
Slippery elm may interfere with the absorption and effects of certain
medications you might be taking. It is recommended that you avoid taking
slippery elm at the same time as any oral medications.

The mucilage in slippery elm could decrease the absorption and

effectiveness of some medications if taken at the wrong time.

If you take slippery elm too close to other medications, your body may not
be able to properly use the medication as intended. [1] To prevent this
interaction, take slippery elm at least one hour after taking your
medications.

There are no known interactions between slippery elm and other

supplements or foods.
It is vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts
panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each
ingredient is included. Please take precautions and review any supplement
labels with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with
foods, other supplements, and medications.

Learn More: These Are the Supplements You Should Avoid Taking
Together

How to Store Slippery Elm

Storing your supplements properly is important. Slippery elm
supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
They should also be kept in an area that is temperature regulated and
never gets too hot or too cold. Typically, slippery elm extract can be stored
outside the refrigerator but check the product label to be sure.

All medicines and supplements should be stored safely where children and
pets cannot get to them. Discard any old slippery elm supplements that
have expired.

Similar Supplements
Many supplements on the market may work similarly to slippery elm.
These supplements include:

Honey: Raw honey is a well-known treatment for the common cold and
sore throat. Like slippery elm, honey is thought to soothe a sore throat. It
may have antimicrobial properties. [7]
Curcumin : Curcumin is a substance in turmeric spice. It may have
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people
with IBD. In a small study, patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative
colitis (UC) took high-dose curcumin along with mesalamine, a
prescription drug for UC, for one month. The patients who took curcumin
had more significant improvements in their UC disease activity, as well as
remission induction, compared to the placebo group. [8]
Collagen: Collagen is a natural protein found and made in your body. It
might heal dry skin when taken in supplement form. Both oral and
topical collagen has been found to improve skin hydration, as well as skin
moisture and elasticity. [9]

In most cases, you should only take one supplement at a time for a
specific condition. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best
supplements for you.

Learn More: The 4 Best Supplements for COVID

Sources of Slippery Elm and What to Look For

There are many things to consider when choosing a slippery elm
supplement. Slippery elm is not commonly found in foods and is typically
used in supplement form.

Food Sources of Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is a tree so it’s not naturally found in foods. It might be
possible to chew the bark from the slippery elm tree. The bark is said to
feel slippery when chewed, probably because of the mucilage. Most people
choose to use it in supplement form instead. [1]

Slippery Elm Supplements

Slippery elm supplements are typically made from the inner bark of the
tree. Slippery elm can be purchased in several forms, including tinctures,
lozenges, powders, tea bags, loose-leaf teas, and capsules. You can find
them in health food stores, some pharmacies, and online.

Keep in mind that dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in

the United States. They do not need to undergo rigorous testing or
research. For the best quality supplements, look for those that have
been tested by a third-party agency, like USP or Consumer Lab.

Manufacturers of herbal supplements rarely submit products for third-

party testing. This means you may have to use your best judgment when
purchasing them. Try not to be swayed by health claims that may or may
not be true.

Learn More: 8 Marshmallow Root Benefits: Teas, Tinctures, and More

Summary
The inner bark of the slippery elm tree may offer some health benefits.
However, these claims are not supported by strong scientific evidence.
More studies in humans are needed to prove that slippery elm can help
with any health condition.

Few side effects have been reported in people using slippery elm, and it is
generally thought to be safe. However, some people should take
precautions when using slippery elm. Pregnant people should avoid taking
it because there are safety concerns.

If you're interested in taking slippery elm, talk with your healthcare

provider first to make sure it is right for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does slippery elm help constipation?

Although slippery elm is used in traditional medicine for
constipation, there is no solid evidence to support these benefits.
[1]

However, it is possible due to the mucilage found in slippery elm.

Mucilage is a soft fiber that may work similarly to other types of
fiber recommended for constipation relief.

More research is needed to conclude that slippery elm can relieve

constipation.

Learn More: How Constipation Is Treated

 Is slippery elm safe during pregnancy?
There is not enough information to know for certain that
slippery elm is safe for pregnant people to take.

In fact, there are some claims that slippery elm may cause a
miscarriage. [1] Because of this, it is recommended that people
who are pregnant avoid using slippery elm.

Learn More: How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Is slippery elm a diuretic?

In traditional medicine, slippery elm is sometimes used as a mild
diuretic (water pill) to help you urinate. However, there is no
scientific evidence to back this up.

If you need a diuretic, talk with your healthcare provider about a

better option than slippery elm.

Learn More: What Are Diuretics?

9 Sources

By Brittany Lubeck, RD
Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian
with a master's degree in clinical nutrition.

Originally written by Cathy Wong

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