Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsStorageSimilar SupplementsSourcesFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Storage
Similar Supplements
Sources
FAQ
The inner bark of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), a member of the elm tree family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat issues such assore throat, wounds, and digestive disorders.
Slippery elm’s purported benefits are attributed mostly tomucilage, a type of fiber that forms a gel-like substance in water.The supplement also contains substances that increase mucus production in the human body.However, scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Uses of Slippery Elm
Slippery elm might be useful in treating certain health conditions, but more research is needed.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Slippery elm’s inner bark and mucilageAlternate name(s):Indian elm, moose elm, olmo Americano, orme, orme gras, orme rouge, orme roux, red elm, sweet elm,Ulmus fulva,Ulmus rubraLegal status: Legal and sold over the counterSuggested dose:No universal dose recommendations for slippery elmSafety considerations: Nausea and skin irritation
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Slippery elm’s inner bark and mucilageAlternate name(s):Indian elm, moose elm, olmo Americano, orme, orme gras, orme rouge, orme roux, red elm, sweet elm,Ulmus fulva,Ulmus rubraLegal status: Legal and sold over the counterSuggested dose:No universal dose recommendations for slippery elmSafety considerations: Nausea and skin irritation
Possible uses for slippery elm include:
Here are a few examples of what research has found about using slippery elm for specific health conditions.
Sore Throat
Some people claim that slippery elm helps asore throat(anecdotal evidence), but more research is needed to prove that it can treat asore throat.
How to Treat a Sore Throat
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Advocates of slippery elm claim that it can ease many of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes bothulcerative colitisand Crohn’s disease.
It’s been said that slippery elm forms a temporary protective barrier in the intestines, but research evidence that supports that claim is mixed.
Some studies have explored whether slippery elm has anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease. However, many were done in a lab (in vitro), so researchers couldn’t conclude whether the same effect would occur in humans. Many studies also used slippery elm in combination with other herbs, making it impossible to prove that slippery elm alone would have the same effect.
What Are the Treatment Options for IBD?
Skin Conditions
The mucilage in slippery elm has been used for dry skin or to treat wounds when applied topically.
When put on the skin, the mucilage in slippery elm is thought to swell and form a gooey substance, which is believed to soothedryorinflamed skin. This reaction may prove helpful in the treatment of minor wounds on the skin.
However, there has not been enough human research on slippery elm’s use in skin conditions or wound care. Always ask your provider before using slippery elm or any other remedy to treat a skin condition.
The Most Common Skin Conditions
What Are the Side Effects of Slippery Elm?
Slippery elm is thought to be a safe supplement to take, but there are still side effects and risks to consider.
Few side effects have been reported for slippery elm but they might be possible. Be cautious when taking slippery elm for the first time since you will not know for sure whether you will have side effects.
An allergic reaction could occur if slippery elm is used topically.It is possible that applying slippery elm to your skin could cause skin irritation. To avoid an allergic reaction or other possible severe side effects, talk with your healthcare provider about how to safely use slippery elm.
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John Macgregor / Getty Images
It’s always best to take precautions when using supplements, and that includes slippery elm.
People who arepregnantorbreastfeedingshould avoid using slippery elm. Some research has suggested it could cause amiscarriage.
You should also take precautions if applying slippery elm directly to your skin, since allergic reactions and skin irritation are possible.
Can Kids Use Slippery Elm?Even though some products made with slippery elm are marketed for children, there is not enough research to know if slippery elm is safe for kids. Caregivers should avoid giving slippery elm to children unless a healthcare provider has recommended it.
Can Kids Use Slippery Elm?
Even though some products made with slippery elm are marketed for children, there is not enough research to know if slippery elm is safe for kids. Caregivers should avoid giving slippery elm to children unless a healthcare provider has recommended it.
Dosage: How Much Slippery Elm Should I Take?
There are no standard guidelines for the dosage and use of slippery elm. Slippery elm dosage varies in the studies that have been done on the supplement.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
As a general rule, do not take more slippery elm than is recommended on the product label. Taking too much slippery elm could increase your risk of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the proper dosage for you.
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What Happens if I Take Too Much Slippery Elm?
Slippery elm is not thought to be toxic. In the research that has been done, slippery elm has been shown to cause little to no side effects. However, it is still possible to take too much slippery elm, and doing so could make side effects more likely.
Slippery elm may interfere with the absorption and effects of certain medications you might be taking. It is recommended that you avoid taking slippery elm at the same time as any oral medications.
The mucilage in slippery elm could decrease the absorption and effectiveness of somemedicationsif taken at the wrong time.
If you take slippery elm too close to other medications, your body may not be able to properly use the medication as intended.To prevent this interaction, take slippery elm at least one hour after taking your medications.
There are no known interactions between slippery elm and other supplements or foods.
It is vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please take precautions and review any supplement labels with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
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How to Store Slippery Elm
Storing your supplements properly is important. Slippery elm supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. They should also be kept in an area that is temperature regulated and never gets too hot or too cold. Typically, slippery elm extract can be stored outside the refrigerator but check the product label to be sure.
All medicines and supplements should be stored safely where children and pets cannot get to them. Discard any old slippery elm supplements that have expired.
Many supplements on the market may work similarly to slippery elm. These supplements include:
In most cases, you should only take one supplement at a time for a specific condition. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best supplements for you.
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Sources of Slippery Elm and What to Look For
There are many things to consider when choosing a slippery elm supplement. Slippery elm is not commonly found in foods and is typically used in supplement form.
Food Sources of Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is a tree so it’s not naturally found in foods. It might be possible to chew the bark from the slippery elm tree. The bark is said to feel slippery when chewed, probably because of the mucilage. Most people choose to use it in supplement form instead.
Slippery Elm Supplements
Slippery elm supplements are typically made from the inner bark of the tree. Slippery elm can be purchased in several forms, including tinctures, lozenges, powders, tea bags, loose-leaf teas, and capsules. You can find them in health food stores, some pharmacies, and online.
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Summary
Few side effects have been reported in people using slippery elm, and it is generally thought to be safe. However, some people should take precautions when using slippery elm. Pregnant people should avoid taking it because there are safety concerns.
If you’re interested in taking slippery elm, talk with your healthcare provider first to make sure it is right for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAlthough slippery elm is used in traditional medicine for constipation, there is no solid evidence to support these benefits.However, it is possible due to the mucilage found in slippery elm. Mucilage is a soft fiber that may work similarly to other types of fiber recommended for constipation relief.More research is needed to conclude that slippery elm can relieve constipation.Learn MoreHow Constipation Is TreatedThere is not enough information to know for certain that slippery elm is safe for pregnant people to take.In fact, there are some claims that slippery elm may cause a miscarriage.Because of this, it is recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using slippery elm.Learn MoreHow Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?In traditional medicine, slippery elm is sometimes used as a mild diuretic (water pill) to help you urinate. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.If you need a diuretic, talk with your healthcare provider about a better option than slippery elm.Learn MoreWhat Are Diuretics?
Frequently Asked Questions
Although slippery elm is used in traditional medicine for constipation, there is no solid evidence to support these benefits.However, it is possible due to the mucilage found in slippery elm. Mucilage is a soft fiber that may work similarly to other types of fiber recommended for constipation relief.More research is needed to conclude that slippery elm can relieve constipation.Learn MoreHow Constipation Is Treated
Although slippery elm is used in traditional medicine for constipation, there is no solid evidence to support these benefits.However, it is possible due to the mucilage found in slippery elm. Mucilage is a soft fiber that may work similarly to other types of fiber recommended for constipation relief.More research is needed to conclude that slippery elm can relieve constipation.
Although slippery elm is used in traditional medicine for constipation, there is no solid evidence to support these benefits.
However, it is possible due to the mucilage found in slippery elm. Mucilage is a soft fiber that may work similarly to other types of fiber recommended for constipation relief.
More research is needed to conclude that slippery elm can relieve constipation.
Learn MoreHow Constipation Is Treated
There is not enough information to know for certain that slippery elm is safe for pregnant people to take.In fact, there are some claims that slippery elm may cause a miscarriage.Because of this, it is recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using slippery elm.Learn MoreHow Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
There is not enough information to know for certain that slippery elm is safe for pregnant people to take.In fact, there are some claims that slippery elm may cause a miscarriage.Because of this, it is recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using slippery elm.
There is not enough information to know for certain that slippery elm is safe for pregnant people to take.
In fact, there are some claims that slippery elm may cause a miscarriage.Because of this, it is recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using slippery elm.
Learn MoreHow Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
In traditional medicine, slippery elm is sometimes used as a mild diuretic (water pill) to help you urinate. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.If you need a diuretic, talk with your healthcare provider about a better option than slippery elm.Learn MoreWhat Are Diuretics?
In traditional medicine, slippery elm is sometimes used as a mild diuretic (water pill) to help you urinate. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.If you need a diuretic, talk with your healthcare provider about a better option than slippery elm.
In traditional medicine, slippery elm is sometimes used as a mild diuretic (water pill) to help you urinate. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
If you need a diuretic, talk with your healthcare provider about a better option than slippery elm.
Learn MoreWhat Are Diuretics?
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Peterson CT, Sharma V, Uchitel S, et al.Prebiotic potential of herbal medicines used in digestive health and disease.J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):656-665. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0422MedlinePlus.Slippery elm.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Slippery elm.Sego S.Slippery elm: an effective anti-inflammatory agent.Joo YE.Natural product-derived drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.Intest Res. 2014;12(2):103-109. doi:10.5217/ir.2014.12.2.103Park TH, Lee S, Amatya R, et al.Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containingUlmus davidianavar.Japonicaroot bark and pullulan for skin wound healing.Saudi Pharm J. 2020;28(7):791-802. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2020.05.007Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336.Lang A, Salomon N, Wu JC, et al.Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;13(8):1444-9.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.02.019.Al-Atif H.Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: a paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics.Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:10.5826/dpc.1201a18.Additional ReadingTinsley G, Urbina S, Santos E, et al.A purported detoxification supplement does not improve body composition, waist circumference, blood markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adult females. J Diet Suppl.2019;16(6):649-58. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1472713.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Peterson CT, Sharma V, Uchitel S, et al.Prebiotic potential of herbal medicines used in digestive health and disease.J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):656-665. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0422MedlinePlus.Slippery elm.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Slippery elm.Sego S.Slippery elm: an effective anti-inflammatory agent.Joo YE.Natural product-derived drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.Intest Res. 2014;12(2):103-109. doi:10.5217/ir.2014.12.2.103Park TH, Lee S, Amatya R, et al.Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containingUlmus davidianavar.Japonicaroot bark and pullulan for skin wound healing.Saudi Pharm J. 2020;28(7):791-802. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2020.05.007Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336.Lang A, Salomon N, Wu JC, et al.Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;13(8):1444-9.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.02.019.Al-Atif H.Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: a paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics.Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:10.5826/dpc.1201a18.Additional ReadingTinsley G, Urbina S, Santos E, et al.A purported detoxification supplement does not improve body composition, waist circumference, blood markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adult females. J Diet Suppl.2019;16(6):649-58. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1472713.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Peterson CT, Sharma V, Uchitel S, et al.Prebiotic potential of herbal medicines used in digestive health and disease.J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):656-665. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0422MedlinePlus.Slippery elm.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Slippery elm.Sego S.Slippery elm: an effective anti-inflammatory agent.Joo YE.Natural product-derived drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.Intest Res. 2014;12(2):103-109. doi:10.5217/ir.2014.12.2.103Park TH, Lee S, Amatya R, et al.Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containingUlmus davidianavar.Japonicaroot bark and pullulan for skin wound healing.Saudi Pharm J. 2020;28(7):791-802. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2020.05.007Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336.Lang A, Salomon N, Wu JC, et al.Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;13(8):1444-9.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.02.019.Al-Atif H.Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: a paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics.Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:10.5826/dpc.1201a18.
Peterson CT, Sharma V, Uchitel S, et al.Prebiotic potential of herbal medicines used in digestive health and disease.J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):656-665. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0422
MedlinePlus.Slippery elm.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Slippery elm.
Sego S.Slippery elm: an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Joo YE.Natural product-derived drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.Intest Res. 2014;12(2):103-109. doi:10.5217/ir.2014.12.2.103
Park TH, Lee S, Amatya R, et al.Development and characterization of a superabsorbing hydrogel film containingUlmus davidianavar.Japonicaroot bark and pullulan for skin wound healing.Saudi Pharm J. 2020;28(7):791-802. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2020.05.007
Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336.
Lang A, Salomon N, Wu JC, et al.Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;13(8):1444-9.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.02.019.
Al-Atif H.Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: a paradigm shift in the fields of dermatology and cosmetics.Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:10.5826/dpc.1201a18.
Tinsley G, Urbina S, Santos E, et al.A purported detoxification supplement does not improve body composition, waist circumference, blood markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adult females. J Diet Suppl.2019;16(6):649-58. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1472713.
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