Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)
Mucilaginous herb that soothes and coats the digestive tract, providing relief for GERD, gastritis, and irritated gut lining.
Slippery Elm bark contains mucilage that forms a soothing gel when mixed with water. This gel coats and protects irritated mucous membranes throughout the digestive tract. Traditional remedy for heartburn, gastritis, IBS, and sore throat. FDA-approved as a safe demulcent. Works mechanically rather than pharmacologically.
Forms protective gel layer on mucous membranes
Contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress
How Slippery Elm works β from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta β pathways are being refined and expanded.
400-500mg capsules 3x daily, OR 1-2 tbsp powder mixed with water
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| π§ͺInner bark powder (mix with water to form gel) | Recommended |
| πCapsules | Alternative |
| πLozenges (for throat) | Alternative |
| π΅Tea | Alternative |
Powder mixed with water is most effective as it forms the soothing gel. Lozenges good for sore throat.
Minimum: 1 weeks
Optimal: 4 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Take before meals to coat stomach, or before bed for nighttime reflux. Mix powder with water to form gel.
Immediate coating and comfort
Reduced heartburn symptoms
Generally considered safe; traditional use in pregnancy
May slow absorption β take medications 1-2 hours before or after
Tip: Reduce amount
Top studies from 8+ peer-reviewed papers
Shahrajabian MH et al. β’ Reviews on recent clinical trials (2024)
βMedicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.CopyrightΒ© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.β
Ahuja A et al. β’ Current gastroenterology reports (2019)
βThis landscape of popular treatments nevertheless raises several interesting mechanistic hypotheses and compelling opportunities for future research.β
Zick SM et al. β’ Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (2006)
βEssiac does not appear to improve HR-QOL or mood states.β
Ried K et al. β’ Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) (2020)
βAll participants with normal stool, 90% with hard stool, and 66% with soft stool recovered from intestinal permeability, evident by normal lactulose to mannitol ratios.β
Tinsley G et al. β’ Journal of dietary supplements (2019)
βThese results indicate that consuming a commercially available dietary supplement that purportedly provides detoxification and body composition benefits is apparently safe in healthy young adult females but does not provide any beneficial effects for body composition or gastrointestinal symptoms.β
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