Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and later by European settlers. The inner bark is known for its mucilaginous (gel-like) properties when mixed with water, which led to its use as a soothing agent for various digestive complaints, including enteritis (inflammation of the intestines). Traditionally, slippery elm gruel or tea was administered to people suffering from gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, or irritation, with the mucilage thought to coat and protect the mucous membranes of the gut, thereby reducing irritation and promoting healing.

However, while there is a substantial traditional basis for its use, scientific research directly validating slippery elm for enteritis is limited. Most modern evidence is anecdotal, or extrapolated from small studies showing slippery elm's ability to form a protective layer in the gut and its mild anti-inflammatory effects. There is some preliminary evidence suggesting benefit in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and mild inflammatory bowel diseases, but robust clinical trials specifically addressing enteritis are lacking. Therefore, its use is best characterized as grounded in tradition, with limited scientific support.

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