Synopsis

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

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and early Western herbalists. It is primarily valued for its mucilaginous inner bark, which, when mixed with water, forms a soothing gel. This gel has been used topically and internally to soothe irritated tissues, including the digestive tract and, less commonly, the skin.

For eczema, traditional use involves applying slippery elm poultices to affected skin to calm irritation, reduce itching, and support the healing of inflamed areas. The mucilage is believed to provide a protective barrier and promote moisture retention on the skin’s surface, which may help with the dryness and discomfort associated with eczema.

However, there is very limited scientific evidence supporting the use of slippery elm for eczema. Clinical trials are lacking, and most of the rationale for its use comes from anecdotal reports and the general soothing properties of mucilaginous substances. While slippery elm is recognized for its safety and demulcent effects, these benefits are largely extrapolated from its internal use for sore throats and digestive complaints rather than direct studies on eczema.

In summary, slippery elm’s use for eczema is primarily based on traditional practices and theoretical benefits rather than scientific validation. Its evidence rating for this application is low (1/5), reflecting the absence of robust clinical data.

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