Slippery elm

Silver· human data

Also known as: Ulmus rubra

A soothing mucilage herb used for gut and throat comfort, on traditional grounds.

Slippery elm bark is rich in mucilage, a gel-forming fibre that coats and soothes mucous membranes, which underlies its traditional use for sore throats, reflux and irritable-bowel symptoms.

Direct clinical evidence is limited and largely traditional, though the demulcent mechanism is plausible and it appears in some IBS herbal formulas. Generally well tolerated; as a fibre it can affect absorption of medicines taken at the same time.

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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: