Possible health benefits of the inner bark of the slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) tree include managing fevers, treating wounds, and reducing sore throats.
Slippery elm is native to the central and eastern United States, as well as Ontario, Canada.
Slippery elm is also called red elm or Indian elm. It has a dark brown to reddish brown bark. While more research is necessary, it may help manage some conditions and alleviate certain symptoms.
It is best to avoid slippery bark during pregnancy without first consulting a healthcare professional.
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While there is limited recent research, some studies have shown that slippery elm bark may help treat the symptoms associated with types of IBD, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
For example, one small clinical study from 2010 found that a mixture containing slippery elm enhanced bowel movements in people with constipation-predominant IBS. However, the bark was part of a mixture of ingredients, and no study to date has supported these findings.
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More research is necessary to confirm these effects.
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a sticky mixture of sugars that can’t be broken down by the human digestive tract. The mucilage coats the throat, so it’s no surprise that slippery elm is present in many brands of throat lozenges.
While slippery elm may help manage a cough or sore throat, there are not enough human studies to support this.
Slippery elm may be beneficial for people who experience unexplained inflammation of the urinary tract, such as interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome).
Slippery elm powder could help soothe the lining of the urinary tract. Therefore, it might help alleviate symptoms.
However, studies are necessary to either support or refute these claims.
Slippery elm may be helpful for treating occasional heartburn, also known as acid reflux. It’s also a potential remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the lining.
The mucilage of slippery elm coats the esophagus and may help prevent the irritation and inflammation that occurs when stomach acid flows up the esophagus.
However, more studies are necessary to better understand the potential of slippery elm for acid reflux and GERD.
The inner bark is dried and powdered. It’s available in the following forms.
- lozenges
- tablets
- fine powder for making teas and extracts
- coarse powder for making a poultice
For tea, pour 2 cups of boiling water over roughly 2 tablespoons of the powder and steep for a few minutes. To make a poultice (for applying to the skin), mix coarse powder with boiling water and let it cool. Apply the poultice to the affected area.
As with any supplement, be sure to read the product label and consult with your doctor before trying it.
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While there isn’t enough information to determine whether or not slippery elm bark is completely safe and nontoxic, there haven’t been any reports of toxicity or side effects yet.
However, since slippery elm is a mucilage, it could potentially decrease the amount of medication your body can absorb, and it may reduce its effectiveness.
As with all dietary supplements, it is best to consult your doctor before use.
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) bark may offer numerous health benefits, such as managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), soothing a cough or sore throat, treating irritation of the urinary tract, and reducing heartburn.
While slippery elm is generally safe, few studies have extensively looked at the possible side effects.
It is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before using slippery elm. They can advise on its suitability, as well as any other remedies they recommend based on individual circumstances.