Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) has been used traditionally in North American herbal medicine to soothe mucous membranes of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Its inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that is thought to coat and soothe irritated or inflamed tissues. Because diverticulitis involves inflammation of the colon, slippery elm is sometimes recommended by herbalists and traditional practitioners as a demulcent to reduce discomfort.

However, there is a lack of scientific studies specifically investigating slippery elm for diverticulitis. Most of the evidence supporting its use comes from broader use in traditional herbal medicine for gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gastritis, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are a few small clinical trials and case reports suggesting that slippery elm may help with symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but diverticulitis itself has not been the focus of controlled research with slippery elm. Thus, its use for diverticulitis is based on tradition and extrapolation rather than scientific validation. Its safety profile is generally considered good, though more research is needed for this specific application.

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