Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the body system: Mucus Membranes

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in North American traditional medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It is most commonly used to support the mucus membranes of the digestive tract and throat. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. This mucilage is thought to coat and soothe irritated mucus membranes, which is why slippery elm is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints such as gastritis or heartburn.

While there is substantial traditional usage, clinical scientific validation is limited. A few small studies and laboratory experiments suggest that the mucilage in slippery elm can provide a protective barrier on the lining of the throat and gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing irritation. However, these findings are primarily based on its physical properties rather than specific pharmacological effects, and robust, large-scale clinical trials are lacking.

Despite the lack of strong scientific evidence, the historical and anecdotal support for slippery elm's soothing effects on mucus membranes is considerable. Safety concerns are minimal when used appropriately, though it may interfere with absorption of other oral medications. Overall, slippery elm is mainly justified by tradition, with some preliminary but limited scientific rationale based on its mucilage content.

More about slippery elm bark
More about Mucus Membranes

Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes

akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose