Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a herbal medicine which is an extract from the inner bark of the slippery elm plant.
People also refer to the tree as Red Elm or Indian Elm tree.
Its name is from the viscous, slimy liquid that comes out when you chew the the inner bark.
The use of this plant is common among Native Americans and early pioneers as a relief to dehydration and hunger.
It is native to the central and eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
For many years, people have used slippery elm as an alternative/complimentary form of medicine.
Basically, the inner bark of the tree that grows up to 60-80 feet is the only part that offers therapeutic benefit.
Furthermore, slippery elm is considered a dietary supplement by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is not regulated.
According to a study, the FDA recognises slippery elm as a safe and effective oral demulcent (1).
Main Compounds In Slippery Elm
A study says the most abundant, and medicinally important, biochemical components of slippery elm are mucilage and tannins.
According to the study, mucilage forms the bulk of chemical compounds in slippery elm. It comprises of carbohydrates which, when added to water, swell to form a viscous, sticky substance (2).
Health Benefits Of Slippery Elm
1. Treatment Of Sore Throat
A study says the use of slippery elm in a study showed positive results (3).
According to the study, a herbal formulation (‘Throat Coat®’) could provide rapid, temporary relief from sore throat pain in patients with pharyngitis.
The solution contained 8.5% Ulmus rubra powder.
2. Cough Treatment
Basically, when it comes to cough treatment, it is the mucilage it produces that performs this function.
According to a study, the viscous gel-like substances that the medicinal plant produces increases the retention time of polymers over mucosal surfaces and facilitates adhesion (4).
“This has the effect of coating mucous membranes and helping to ameliorate adverse sensations and the involuntary reflexes (e.g., coughing, throat clearing) triggered in response.”
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A review of studies on this plant says an open-label study assessed the effects and tolerability of two herbal formulations containing slippery elm bark in 31 patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
It says: “Of the two treatments, one significantly improved both bowel habit and IBS symptoms in the patients with constipation-predominant IBS.
“The other treatment was not effective in improving bowel habit in individuals with diarrhoea-predominating or alternating IBS, although it significantly improved a number of IBS symptoms”.
The constituents of the diarrhoea-IBS formula are powdered bilberry fruit, slippery elm bark, agrimony herb and cinnamon.
On the other hand, the one with the higher significant effect – constipation-IBS formula – contains slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran and liquorice root.
4. Protects Against Ulcers
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, slippery elm is used for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Because slippery elm is able to coat and soothe mucous membranes, it helps increase the mucous in the intestine to reduce acid secretion that triggers ulcer pains.
5. Relieves Irritation Of the Urinary Tract
Because the plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds, it is sometimes recommended to people who are experiencing unexplained inflammation of the urinary tract.
People with interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) benefit from it.
It is effective because the powder of this plant soothes the lining of the urinary tract.
Also, as a mild diuretic, it helps increase the flow of urine. It also eliminates waste from the body.
6. Great For GERD
This is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back into esophagus and irritates the lining.
To provide healing, the mucilage of slippery elm coats the esophagus.
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When this happens, it helps prevent the irritation and inflammation that often follow when stomach acid flows up the esophagus.
6. Treatment Of Heartburn
Furthermore, slippery elm may be helpful for treatment of heartburn which people also refer to as acid reflux.
If you experience heartburn, this recommendation may help.
After meal, mix of 1-2 tablespoons of slippery elm with a glass of water and drink.
Other Health Benefits Of Slippery Elm
Also, other conditions that this herbal plant works for, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, are colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids cystitis, syphilis, herpes, expelling tapeworms, colitis, diverticulitis, GI inflammation and acidity.
While these are documented benefits, there are limited clinical evidences on these benefits.
Dosage And Usage Of Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is relatively great for anyone.
You can add it to your diet as a food during recovery from an illness.
Often, people prepare it like a thin porridge or gruel.
It is also available as manufactured herbal products. When you find them over-the-counter, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.
As per dosage, there are really no recommendations due to lack of scientific data. But you can add 1-2 tablespoons of the powder to a cup of water and drink.