What is Slippery Elm?

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree native to North America with a long history of traditional use among Indigenous communities, who discovered that mixing its inner bark with water creates a thick, soothing gel. Today, natural health supplements commonly use the bark for its demulcent properties, meaning it helps coat and protect mucosal tissues. It's also rich in mucilage, a complex carbohydrate that swells when hydrated, making it commonly used to support digestive health, soothe the throat, and promote gastrointestinal comfort.

How Does Slippery Elm Support Health?

In the respiratory tract, slippery elm decreases coughs, speeds the removal of mucus and helps to heal the tract. In the stomach and intestines, it protects the lining from ulceration, and it soothes the urinary tract and can even help heal the skin. Natural health practitioners recommend Ulmus rubra for a variety of needs, including:

  • Sore throat
  • Colds & coughs
  • Bladder infections
  • Digestive ulcers
  • Burns
  • Wounds

Slippery Elm Supplement Varieties

Slippery elm supplements are available in many formats like dried, powdered, encapsulated inner bark, or as liquid extracts. Many people also often enjoy it as a lozenge, tea or drink. Lastly, when mixed with water, it can be used topically. Either apply it directly to the skin or onto a poultice.

Ulmus rubra can also be found in combination formulas where it can work synergistically with other herbs for cold or cough relief, and for urinary and ulcer support.

When purchasing this supplement, it's important to use the inner bark only. The outer bark contains medicinal components that may be harmful and may cause miscarriage. The harvesting of the inner bark usually results in the death of the tree. You may want to inquire about the source and farming practices of the manufacturer of your chosen product.

Considerations & Cautions

Slippery elm may alter blood sugar levels by reducing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestine. Therefore, diabetics, hypoglycemic individuals, and people using medication to regulate sugar levels should use it with caution. This supplement may also inhibit the absorption of other medications or supplements if they are taken at the same time.