What Are the Health Benefits of Slippery Elm?

The inner bark of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), a member of the elm tree family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat issues such as sore throat, wounds, and digestive disorders.

Slippery elm's purported benefits are attributed mostly to mucilage, a type of fiber that forms a gel-like substance in water. The supplement also contains substances that increase mucus production in the human body. However, scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 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.

Precautions

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 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. 

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.
• 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.
• 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 have been found to improve skin hydration, as well as skin moisture and elasticity.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.