Herbal Extract
Slippery Elm Bark Extract
Also known as: Ulmus rubra bark, slippery elm, red elm, moage
Slippery elm bark contains mucilage (a viscous polysaccharide) that may coat and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Traditional use supports digestive comfort, though human clinical evidence remains limited.
Primary uses
- Digestive comfort
- Sore throat relief
- Gastrointestinal soothing
- Mucous membrane support
How it works
- Mucilage coating of GI tract lining
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects
- Demulcent action on irritated tissues
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1.5-8 grams daily, often 1-2 grams per dose
- Timing
- Can be taken with meals or between meals; often mixed with water or warm liquid
- With food
- May be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential GI irritation
- Duration
- Generally safe for long-term use; typically used for weeks to months
- Special populations
- Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider; may affect medication absorption if taken simultaneously
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Tea· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach upset (rare)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (limited safety data; traditional use suggests caution)
- Nursing (insufficient safety data)
- Allergy to elm species
Evidence notes
Slippery elm has a long history of traditional use and in vitro studies support mucilage composition, but clinical trials in humans are sparse and small. Evidence is primarily observational or from animal models.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
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