Slippery elm, derived from the inner bark of Ulmus rubra, has a long history of use in Native American and folk medicine traditions, particularly for soothing irritated tissues along the digestive and respiratory tracts. The bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and calms inflamed mucous membranes when mixed with water. Research suggests that slippery elm may help ease symptoms of acid reflux, sore throat, and cough by forming a protective barrier, and preliminary studies indicate potential benefits for inflammatory bowel conditions and overall gut health. Commonly consumed as a tea, lozenge, or powdered bark mixed into warm water, it remains one of the more widely recognized folk remedies still explored in modern digestive wellness research, though large-scale clinical trials are limited.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that slippery elm is a popular folk remedy for acid reflux and heartburn, but the scientific eviden...
View studies →Research suggests that slippery elm, as part of a multi-ingredient herbal and nutrient formula, may contribute to imp...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 400–500 mg | Three times daily | General digestive health and gut health | Common in clinical and traditional use references |
| Liquid | 5–10 mL | Three times daily | Sore throat relief and cough relief | Traditional use in herbal medicine; referenced in integrative health literature |
| Powder | 4–8 g | Three times daily | Digestive health, acid reflux, and IBD support | Traditional use and herbal medicine references; basis for most clinical applications |
| Powder | 2–4 g | As needed | Sore throat relief and acid reflux | Used as a slurry or lozenge preparation in traditional and naturopathic practice |
| Tablet | 380–400 mg | Four times daily | IBD support and gut health | Referenced in combination herbal formulations studied for IBD (e.g., Sanderson et al., 2001) |