SLIPPERY ELM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree that is native to North America. Its inner bark feels slippery when chewed and may be effective for soothing sore throat.

Only the inner bark of slippery elm, not the whole bark, is used as medicine. The inner bark contains chemicals that can increase mucous secretion, which might be helpful for stomach and intestinal problems.

People use slippery elm for sore throat, constipation, stomach ulcers, skin disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for SLIPPERY ELM overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Slippery elm is possibly safe for most people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if slippery elm is safe when applied to the skin. In some people, slippery elm can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation when applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Folklore says that slippery elm bark can cause a miscarriage when it's inserted into the cervix during pregnancy. Over the years, slippery elm got the reputation for causing an abortion even when taken by mouth. Although there's no reliable information to confirm this claim, stay on the safe side and avoid slippery elm if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with SLIPPERY ELM
Slippery elm contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking slippery elm at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take slippery elm at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of slippery elm might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Arbo, M. D., Schmitt, G. C., Limberger, M. F., Charao, M. F., Moro, A. M., Ribeiro, G. L., Dallegrave, E., Garcia, S. C., Leal, M. B., and Limberger, R. P. Subchronic toxicity of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) extract and p-synephrine in mice. Regul.Toxicol.Pharmacol 2009;54(2):114-117. View abstract.

Bent, S., Padula, A., and Neuhaus, J. Safety and efficacy of citrus aurantium for weight loss. Am.J.Cardiol. 11-15-2004;94(10):1359-1361. View abstract.

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Calapai, G., Firenzuoli, F., Saitta, A., Squadrito, F. R., Arlotta, M., Costantino, G., and Inferrera, G. Antiobesity and cardiovascular toxic effects of Citrus aurantium extracts in the rat: a preliminary report. Fitoterapia 12-1-1999;70(6):586-592.

Campbell-Tofte, J. I., Molgaard, P., Josefsen, K., Abdallah, Z., Hansen, S. H., Cornett, C., Mu, H., Richter, E. A., Petersen, H. W., Norregaard, J. C., and Winther, K. Randomized and double-blinded pilot clinical study of the safety and anti-diabetic efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea, as used in Nigerian traditional medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-27-2011;133(2):402-411. View abstract.

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Hawrelak, J. A. and Myers, S. P. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16(10):1065-1071. View abstract.

Monji AB, Zolfonoun E, Ahmadi SJ. Application of water extract of slippery elm tree leaves as a natural reagent for selective spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of molybdenum(VI) in environmental water samples. Tox Environ Chem. 2009;91(7):1229-1235.

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Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

Zalapa JE, Brunet J, Guries RP. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for red elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) and cross-species amplification with Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.). Mol Ecol Resour. 2008 Jan;8(1):109-12. View abstract.

Zick, S. M., Sen, A., Feng, Y., Green, J., Olatunde, S., and Boon, H. Trial of Essiac to ascertain its effect in women with breast cancer (TEA-BC). J Altern Complement Med 2006;12(10):971-980. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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SLIPPERY ELM - Uses, Side Effects, and More