Slippery elm is a supplement made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra), native to North America. Taking it as a supplement may offer a few health benefits, such as improving symptoms related to certain digestive ailments.

Although slippery elm has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for conditions like sore throat, cough, and constipation, human research on the possible health effects of slippery elm supplements is extremely limited. There’s not enough evidence to support the use of slippery elm to treat any health condition.

The bark of the slippery elm tree is composed of fibers that may be helpful for certain digestive disorders. It also contains some anti-inflammatory substances, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds may stimulate the production of mucus and saliva and coat the digestive lining, providing an overall soothing effect on the gut.

Taking supplements that contain slippery elm may improve symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

A small study of people with IBS had participants take two capsules containing 150 milligrams of slippery elm bark powder and probiotics, fructooligosaccharides, Geum urbanum (herb bennet) powder, and inulin powder for eight weeks. The group who took the capsules had significant improvements in abdominal discomfort, bloating, frequency of formed stool, and fatigue compared to the placebo group.

This study used a supplement containing several ingredients known to benefit digestive health, including probiotics and fiber like inulin, making it difficult to know if slippery elm alone would have the same effects. 

In another study, adults with digestive disorders like IBS took a supplement containing ten ingredients, including slippery elm, peppermint oil, quercetin, and guar gum, for eight weeks. Participants experienced significant improvements in digestive symptoms, including nausea, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, and gas, compared to baseline.

Though these results are promising, this study also used a multi-ingredient supplement, making it unclear to what extent the slippery elm content affected symptoms. 

Older studies have also shown that multi-ingredient supplements containing slippery elm may improve symptoms of IBS, like constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. There’s no current evidence that slippery elm has the same effects when used independently.

More studies investigating the effects of slippery elm on digestive symptoms and disorders are needed to confirm whether or not slippery elm may have gastrointestinal benefits.

Slippery elm has been used as a natural medicine for many other health conditions, such as cough and sore throat. Native American medicine systems used slippery elm-based natural remedies for digestive disorders and urinary tract issues.

Slippery elm is often found in natural cold and flu products, such as tea and cough syrups. Some natural medicine practices use slippery elm to stimulate mucus and saliva production, which may improve symptoms related to sore throat and coughing and soothe irritated airways.

While slippery elm may be effective for improving symptoms of certain health conditions and illnesses, no clinical evidence supports these uses.

Many products contain slippery elm, including standalone slippery elm supplements and combination products with additional ingredients. Teas meant to soothe sore throats and stomach upset often include slippery elm and other ingredients like marshmallow root, licorice root, and various fibers.

Slippery elm is available in many forms, including tinctures, teas, lozenges, and capsules.

Because there’s no standard or recommended way to use slippery elm, it’s best to follow product-specific instructions on how to take slippery elm-based supplements and beverages.

Dosage 

There isn’t enough evidence to recommend an appropriate and effective dose of slippery elm. The available studies investigating the human health effects of slippery elm have used products that contain several ingredients, not just slippery elm.

Aim to follow dosing recommendations specific to slippery elm supplements or other products.

Research findings suggest that slippery elm is safe to ingest. However, the available research studies were for multi-ingredient products, not slippery elm alone.

Though slippery elm is considered relatively safe, health organizations recommend avoiding it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as anecdotal evidence and folklore suggest that it may cause harm to fetuses and infants. Some sources also suggest slippery elm may induce miscarriage.

Although there’s no scientific evidence to confirm these claims, it’s best to avoid slippery elm if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Potential Drug Interactions

Due to the limited research on the human health effects of slippery elm, it’s unknown if it interacts with medications.

Slippery elm is high in fibers called mucilage, which may decrease medication absorption. To reduce the risk of this interaction, take slippery elm at least one hour after medications.

What To Look For

Also known as red elm, gray elm, or soft elm, the slippery elm tree is native to North America. The tree is commonly found growing in moist, rich soil and may grow over 100 feet tall and live as long as 200 years.

The inner bark of the slippery elm tree takes on a slippery texture when chewed or mixed with water, which is how the tree got its name.

Can You Take Too Much?

There’s not enough reliable evidence to confirm safe and unsafe doses of slippery elm. It’s unknown if slippery elm can cause health issues if taken in large doses.

Follow dosing instructions on slippery elm products, such as teas and supplements, to reduce the risk of potential side effects and safety issues.

When taken orally, slippery elm has no known side effects and is generally recognized as safe for most people. However, slippery elm may not be appropriate for everyone.

If you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before adding slippery elm supplements into your wellness routine. 

When applied topically, slippery elm may cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.

Slippery elm is a product derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree. Though it has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for ailments like digestive symptoms and sore throat, there’s not enough clinical evidence that slippery elm is appropriate or effective for treating any medical conditions.

If you’re interested in using slippery elm-based products, such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, it’s best to check with a qualified medical provider first. This is especially important if you have a health condition or are taking medications.