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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Slippery Elm

aka Ulmus rubra

Demulcent herb used for GERD, esophagitis, and IBS.

Gut Health

Overview

Demulcent herb used for GERD, esophagitis, and IBS.

Natural sources
  • Ulmus rubra inner bark
Common forms
  • Powder
  • Lozenge

Mechanism of action

Mucilage coats and soothes GI mucosa.

Pathways
  • · Mucosal coating

Effects on the body

Supports
GI mucosal coating

Organ system effects

Digestive / Gut

Soothes irritated mucosa.

Evidence-based benefits

Symptomatic relief in GERD / IBS (small studies)

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
      Serious

        Drug interactions

        Most oral medications
        Reduces absorption — separate 2 h.
        moderate

        Safety & non-supplemental interactions

        Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

        Avoid if you are
        • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
        • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        400–500 mg × 3/d

        Where to buy

        Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

        Herb
        Slippery Elm
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
        Herb
        Slippery Elm
        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Herb
        Slippery Elm
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        RCTJ Altern Complement Med · 2010

        Herbal formulas containing slippery elm in IBS

        Hawrelak JA, Myers SP

        Pilot RCT of slippery elm–based blend in IBS.

        Key findings

        Improved bowel habit and reduced straining.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — Symptomatic relief in GERD / IBS

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm Symptomatic relief in GERD / IBS" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "Symptomatic relief in GERD / IBS". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Slippery Elm — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Slippery Elm dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Slippery Elm and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: Slippery Elm — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for Slippery Elm as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.