Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Poisoning (general)

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Synopsis

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

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has been traditionally used in North American herbal medicine, primarily by Indigenous peoples and later by early settlers, for a variety of ailments, including as a soothing agent for the digestive tract and as part of remedies for certain types of poisoning. The inner bark, when mixed with water, creates a mucilaginous substance which was believed to coat and soothe the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. In cases of poisoning, especially those involving irritants to the digestive tract, slippery elm was sometimes used to reduce irritation and provide some symptomatic relief.

However, there is very limited documentation of its use as a primary treatment for poisoning in the historical record, and there is no scientific evidence supporting slippery elm as an effective antidote or primary therapy for poisoning (general). Its use was more supportive—calming mucous membranes—rather than curative. Modern scientific studies have not evaluated slippery elm for poisoning, and it is not recommended or recognized by current medical guidelines for this purpose. Consequently, while there is some traditional, mostly anecdotal, use, the evidence is weak, and slippery elm should not be relied upon in cases of poisoning, for which professional medical treatment is critical.

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