Slippery elm is a type of tree native to North America, also known as Indian elm, red elm, or gray elm. Its inner bark feels slippery when chewed and contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. Slippery elm has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat various conditions, including sore throat, cough, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin ulcers. Some of the potential uses of slippery elm that are well documented include:

• Soothing sore throat: Slippery elm may be effective for soothing sore throat.

• Relieving inflammatory bowel conditions: Slippery elm contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.

• Improving bowel habits and symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A formula containing slippery elm improved bowel habits and symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Slippery elm can be taken in various forms, including tablets, capsules, lozenges, and finely or coarsely powdered bark for making teas or extracts or poultices. However, there isnt enough reliable information to know if slippery elm is safe when applied to the skin, and it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some people. Slippery elm should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as folklore says that it can cause a miscarriage when inserted into the cervix during pregnancy.