SLIPPERY ELM, HEALTH BENEFITS
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SLIPPERY ELM
Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.
There has been little scientific research on slippery elm, but it is often suggested for the following conditions:
Sore throat
Cough
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Diarrhea
Wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis, and other skin conditions (external)
Plant Description
Slippery elm is a medium-sized tree native to North America. It can reach well over 50 feet in height and is topped by spreading branches that form an open crown. The red, brown, or orange branches grow downward, and the stalkless flowers are arranged in dense clusters. The plant's leaves are long and green, and they darken in color during the fall. The bark has deep fissures, a gummy texture, and a slight but distinct odor.
Parts Used
The inner bark is dried and powdered, and used for medicinal purposes.
Available Forms
Available forms of slippery elm include the following:
Tablets and capsules
Lozenges
Finely powdered bark for making teas or extracts
Coarsely powdered bark for poultices
How to Take It
Pediatric
Give slippery elm to a child only under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. Dosage is usually dependent on weight.
Adult
Speak to your health care practitioner regarding the appropriate dose.
Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Slippery elm is not known to have serious side effects. Because it coats the digestive tract, it may slow down the absorption of other drugs or herbs. You should take slippery elm 2 hours before or after other herbs or medications you may be taking.
Some scientists think slippery elm is safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, but no scientific studies have been done to confirm this. The outer bark of the elm tree may contain substances that could increase the risk of miscarriage, so sometimes pregnant women are advised to avoid slippery elm. There is some folk herbal history that Slippery elm may cause miscarriage, however, it is unclear whether this refers to the practice of inserting Slippery elm preparation vaginally or taking the herb orally. DO NOT take any herbal supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding unless you're under a provider's supervision.
Does Slippery Elm cure Stomach Pains?
The inner bark contains chemicals that can increase mucous secretion, which might be helpful for stomach and intestinal problems. People use slippery elm for sore throat, constipation, stomach ulcers, skin disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good Scientific evidence that support these uses.
