Slippery Elm
Other names for Slippery Elm
certified organic slippery elm
certified organic slippery elm aqueous extract
certified organic slippery elm bark extract
certified organic slippery elm extract
certified organic slippery elm (ulmus rubra) dried bark liquid extract
elm
ethically wild harvested slippery elm
organic slippery elm
organic slippery elm bark
organic slippery elm extract
organic slippery elm powder
organic slippery elm (ulmus rubra) bark powder
slippery elm
slippery elm 4:1 extract
slippery elm bark
slippery elm (bark) extract
slippery elm bark {extract}
slippery elm bark extract
slippery elm bark extract, dry
slippery elm (bark) powder
slippery elm bark powder
slippery elm bark (ulmus fulva) extract
slippery elm bark (ulmus fulva) powder
slippery elm, dry
slippery elm extract
slippery elm extract 10:1
slippery elm extract 4:1
slippery elm, fermented, organic
slippery elm glycerite liquid extract
slippery elm inner bark extract
slippery elm inner bark extract, dried
slippery elm powder
slippery elm, powder
slippery elm, powder, raw
slippery elm root bark extract
slippery elm (ulmus fulva) (bark) {extract}
slippery elm (ulmus fulva) bark powder
slippery elm (ulmus fulva) extract
slippery elm (ulmus fulva) powder
slippery elm (ulmus rubra) bark extract
slippery elm (ulmus rubra) (bark) powder
slippery elm (ulmus rubra) bark powder
slippery elm (ulmus rubra) inner bark extract
ulmus fulva
ulmus fulva bark extract
ulmus fulva, dry
ulmus fulva inner bark extract, dried
ulmus fulva, powder
ulmus fulva root bark extract
ulmus rubra
ulmus rubra bark extract
ulmus rubra bark extract, dry
ulmus rubra, dry
ulmus rubra inner bark extract
ulmus rubra muhl
ulmus rubra, powder
white slippery elm
white slippery elm bark extract
white slippery elm bark extract, powder
white slippery elm bark glycerite liquid extract
white slippery elm glycerite liquid extract
white slippery elm, powder
wildcrafted slippery elm
Synopsis of Slippery Elm
History
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a revered herbal remedy with a rich history in North American traditional medicine, particularly among Native American tribes. For centuries, the inner bark of the slippery elm tree has been treasured for its soothing and healing properties. Historically, it was employed as a poultice for wounds, burns, and skin irritations, thanks to its mucilaginous texture that forms a protective barrier and promotes healing.
Internally, slippery elm has long been used to ease digestive discomfort. Its mucilage coats the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, making it a popular remedy for sore throats, coughs, heartburn, gastritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Native Americans would often prepare slippery elm as a gruel or tea to nourish and comfort those who were ill or had difficulty swallowing. Its gentle nature made it suitable even for children and the elderly.
In herbal combinations, slippery elm acts as a harmonizing and soothing agent. It is frequently included in formulas for digestive health, often paired with herbs like marshmallow root, licorice, and peppermint to support mucosal integrity and calm irritation. Its demulcent properties enhance the efficacy of other herbs, promoting comfort and healing throughout the digestive tract. Additionally, it is used in respiratory blends to soothe coughs and bronchial irritation.
Overall, slippery elm's legacy as a healing herb is well-deserved. Its unique ability to comfort and protect mucous membranes, combined with its versatility in both internal and external applications, makes it a cherished ingredient in traditional and modern herbal medicine alike.
Traditional and scientific validation
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long-standing history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American communities, where its inner bark was used to soothe sore throats, calm digestive complaints, and promote wound healing. The soothing, mucilaginous texture of slippery elm is produced by its high content of polysaccharides, which form a gel-like substance when mixed with water. This property underpins its traditional uses as a demulcent to coat irritated mucous membranes in the throat and gastrointestinal tract.
Scientific research on slippery elm is still developing, but preliminary studies have shown some promising effects. For example, a small clinical trial found that a preparation containing slippery elm improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain and stool consistency. Another study suggested that slippery elm, combined with other herbs, may reduce throat irritation and cough. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized slippery elm as a generally safe substance when used appropriately, and it is commonly included in lozenges, teas, and supplements for digestive and throat health.
While these initial findings and historical uses are encouraging, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm the full extent of slippery elm’s benefits and its mechanisms of action. Nevertheless, its longstanding use and positive anecdotal reports continue to support its inclusion in modern nutritional products, particularly for those seeking gentle, plant-based support for digestive and respiratory wellness.
Slippery Elm is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Duodenal Ulcers (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Enteritis (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Itching (rectal) (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Traditional)
Leucorrhea (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Slippery Elm is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Rectum (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
