Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Lesions

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It is primarily valued for its mucilaginous (gel-forming) properties when mixed with water, which creates a soothing, protective layer over mucous membranes and irritated tissues. Traditionally, slippery elm bark has been applied topically as a poultice or salve to support the healing of skin lesions, burns, ulcers, and wounds. The demulcent effect is believed to help reduce irritation, soothe inflammation, and provide a moist environment that may promote healing. There is limited modern scientific research directly evaluating slippery elm bark’s effectiveness for treating lesions specifically. Most available studies focus on its internal use for gastrointestinal conditions such as sore throat, cough, or inflammatory bowel disease, where its soothing properties are similarly valued. While anecdotal reports and historical texts frequently mention its topical application for wounds and lesions, robust clinical trials are lacking. The evidence for its benefit in lesion management therefore remains largely traditional and anecdotal, rather than scientifically validated. Despite the limited scientific evidence, slippery elm is generally considered safe for topical use, and its traditional reputation for soothing irritated tissues supports its continued use as a complementary approach for minor skin lesions. However, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and determine best practices for topical application.

More about slippery elm bark
More about Lesions