Slippery elm
Ulmus rubra
Herbs & Roots. Native American and Western & European.
Also called Red elm, Moose elm
Spanish: Olmo rojo
Slows absorption of pillsThe inner bark of an American elm tree that makes a soothing gel for sore throats and upset stomachs.
Did you know? Early settlers made a thick porridge from the ground inner bark, and it was a common survival food in hard winters.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sore throat & cough. Lozenges and drinks coat a sore throat. Few human studies exist.Traditional proof
- Digestion & gut health. Used for stomach upset and to soothe the gut lining. Few human studies exist.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Native peoples and early settlers used the inner bark as a poultice for wounds, boils and burns, and as a soothing drink for coughs and stomach trouble.
How it is classified
How people take it
Stir 1 teaspoon of powder into a cup of warm water or juice and let it thicken for a few minutes. Lozenges are used as needed for sore throat. No tested dose exists.
Powder, lozenge, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
A tree of eastern and central North America. The inner bark is peeled and dried. Sold as powder, lozenges, capsules and tea. Stripping bark can kill trees, so buy from sustainable sources.
Be careful
Generally mild. It forms a slippery gel that can slow the absorption of other pills, so take other medicines at least two hours before or after it. Rare allergic reactions are possible. Data in pregnancy are limited.
Avoid if: pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are soothing gel herbs used together in throat teas and lozenges.
- Works well together
A common throat blend partner, and licorice also soothes the throat.
- Works well together
Also in Essiac tea. Its slippery inner bark forms a soothing coating in the gut and throat.
Found in these formulas
Essiac tea (Native)
The honest take
Slippery elm has a long history as a soothing herb, but modern studies are few. Its gel may coat a sore throat or gut, but that is not proof it heals them. The main practical risk is that it can change how well other pills are absorbed when taken at the same time.