Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Indian elm, moose elm, red elm, rock elm, slippery elm, American elm, sweet elm, Ulmaceae (family), Ulmi rubrae cortex, Ulmus fulva Michaux, winged elm, grey elm
• Combination product examples: Essiac®, Essiac-like products such as Fluoressence®, Robert's formula.
• Note: Do not confuse inner bark of slippery elm with the whole bark. Californian slippery elm (Fremontia californica) has bark with similar properties and although not botanically related, is used in a similar way.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Slippery elm inner bark has been used historically as a demulcent, emollient, nutritive, astringent, anti-tussive and vulnerary. It is included as one of four primary ingredients in the herbal cancer remedy, Essiac® and in number of Essiac-like products such as Flor-Essence® (1;​2;​3;​4). While anecdotal reports suggest that this combination formulation has anticancer activity, reliable clinical trials are currently lacking that prove or discount this use.
• Scientific studies evaluating the common uses of this herb are lacking, but due to its high mucilage content, slippery elm bark may be a safe herbal remedy to treat irritations of the skin and mucus membranes.
• Although allergic reactions after contact have been reported, there is no known toxicity with typical dosing when products made only from the inner bark are used.
• In manufacturing, slippery elm is used in some baby foods and adult nutritionals, and in some oral lozenges for soothing throat pain. Avoid confusing whole bark with inner bark. Commercial lozenges containing slippery elm are preferred to the native herb when used for cough and sore throat, because they provide sustained release of mucilage to the throat.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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