What Is Slippery Elm?

The inner bark of the North American native tree, Slippery elm, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It contains mucilage, which forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, making it beneficial for coating and soothing the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Slippery elm is commonly used for alleviating sore throats, coughs, gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux, and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, it is sometimes employed externally to treat skin conditions, including wounds, burns, and boils[i].

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What are the benefits of slippery elm?

Slippery elm is often recommended for the following ailments:

Sore throat

Slippery elm may also help to reduce coughing and other symptoms associated with sore throats. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of slippery elm for sore throats, it is commonly used as a natural remedy for this condition[ii] .

Cough

When slippery elm is mixed with water, it forms a gel-like substance that coats and soothes the throat, reducing irritation and coughing. Slippery elm also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the efficacy of slippery elm for cough relief. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies for cough or other health conditions[iii].

Acid reflux, IBD and IBS

The mucilage may help protect the oesophagus from excess acid and irritation, providing a barrier against stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus. Slippery elm is also believed to increase mucus secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help protect the gastrointestinal lining from damage caused by excess acid. Slippery elm is also believed to increase mucus secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help protect the gastrointestinal lining from damage caused by excess acid. This action may help conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)[iv] [v][vi] .

Diarrhoea

The mucilage in slippery elm can absorb water and add bulk to stools, helping to firm them up. Additionally, the increased mucus production caused by slippery elm may protect the gastrointestinal tract against excess acidity and inflammation[vii] .

Skin conditions (external application)

Slippery elm can be used externally to help relieve wounds, burns, boils, and other skin conditions. Its mucilage content may help soothe the affected area and promote healing. Slippery elm has been traditionally used in salves and ointments for these purposes. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of slippery elm for these conditions, and it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment[viii] .

Precautions for use

Although some experts suggest that slippery elm may be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm this. The outer bark of the elm tree contains chemicals that could potentially increase the risk of miscarriage, and therefore, some pregnant women may be advised to avoid slippery elm. Moreover, there is some historical evidence indicating that slippery elm may induce miscarriage, but it remains unclear whether this applies to oral consumption or vaginal insertion. To err on the side of caution, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women refrain from taking any herbal supplements without the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider, nutritionist, or naturopathic practitioner.