Slippery elm is a tree native to North America, and its inner bark contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. Slippery elm is used for various medicinal purposes, including:
- Soothing sore throat and cough
- Relieving gastrointestinal problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Improving bowel regularity and alleviating constipation
- Soothing skin conditions such as wounds, burns, boils, and psoriasis
- Relieving heartburn and mild stomach discomfort
It is important to note that there is little scientific research on slippery elm, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for these uses. Slippery elm is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, lozenges, and finely powdered bark for making teas or extracts. Pregnant women should avoid using slippery elm as it was traditionally thought to cause miscarriages. Slippery elm may also interact with medications taken by mouth, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using it.
