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Slippery elm

Also called: Ulmus rubra

The inner bark of a North American elm tree. Mixed with water, it forms a soothing gel that coats the throat and digestive tract.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Sore throat and cough
  • Heartburn and an irritated stomach
  • IBS symptoms (in blends, limited evidence)

Found naturally in

  • Not a common food. The powdered inner bark is sometimes made into a porridge.
What variations of slippery elm exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Doesn't say it's made from the inner bark

Check with a provider

  • Taking any medicines or supplements. The coating can slow how well they're absorbed, so take them at a different time of day.
  • Pregnancy: ask your provider first. Use inner bark products only.
  • Allergy to elm

Supplements that contain it

5 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list slippery elm on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the large intestine (colon)

Digestive tract

Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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