Synopsis

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

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American peoples and later in Western herbalism. It is often used to soothe mucous membranes throughout the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The inner bark of Slippery Elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that expands when mixed with water, creating a soothing coating. Traditional practitioners have used Slippery Elm to relieve symptoms associated with digestive discomfort, including those seen in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Scientific evidence for its efficacy in IBS specifically is limited. There are a small number of pilot studies and case reports suggesting that Slippery Elm may help with bowel regularity and stool consistency, likely due to the mucilage's demulcent and mild bulk-forming effects. However, large, high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. Most of the support for its use in IBS is based on its traditional reputation and its general soothing effect on irritated mucosa rather than robust clinical data. As such, while some people with IBS report symptomatic relief, the overall evidence base rates low, and it is not considered a first-line or evidence-based therapy in conventional medicine.

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