Botanical
Slippery Elm
Also known as: Ulmus rubra, Slippery elm bark, Red elm
Demulcent herb that coats and soothes the digestive tract, from esophagus to colon.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Slippery Elm product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne GI Relief | 88 A | $0.46 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus | 83 A- | $0.44 |
| 3 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Reset PM | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 4 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Capsules with Vitamin D | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 5 | Vital Nutrients Slippery Elm Bark Powder | 78 B+ | $0.85 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify | 77 B+ | $1.20 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials | 75 B+ | $0.41 |
| 8 | Vital Nutrients Whole Fiber Fusion | 75 B+ | $1.00 |
| 9 | Integrative Therapeutics Similase Sensitive Stomach | 72 B | $0.58 |
| 10 | Nature's Way Acid-Ease | 70 B | $0.49 |
| 11 | Nature's Way Slippery Elm Bark | 68 B | $0.50 |
| 12 | Integrative Therapeutics Blue Heron | 61 B- | $1.41 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Slippery Elm should I take?
The typical range is 400-1000mg 3x daily, or 1-2 tsp powder in water. As needed, generally safe long-term
When should I take Slippery Elm?
Between meals or before meals. Often away from food for coating effect.
Which form of Slippery Elm is best?
Powder — Make into paste or drink. Other forms in the catalog: Lozenges, Capsules.
Is Slippery Elm safe?
Commonly reported: May slow medication absorption. Serious warnings: Take separately from medications. Safe
Which Slippery Elm supplement scores highest?
Thorne GI Relief, at 88/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- GI soothing
- GERD
- IBD support
- Sore throat
How it works
- Creates protective mucilage coating
- Soothes irritated tissues
- May support gut barrier
- Traditional GI remedy
Dosage
- Typical range
- 400-1000mg 3x daily, or 1-2 tsp powder in water
- Timing
- Between meals or before meals
- With food
- Often away from food for coating effect
- Duration
- As needed, generally safe long-term
- Special populations
- GERD, IBD, digestive inflammation
Forms
- Powder
- Lozenges
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- May slow medication absorption
Contraindications
- None significant
Products containing Slippery Elm
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Slippery Elm on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional use, limited clinical research
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Botanical
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.