Compound or practice · Nutrition
Slippery Elm
A demulcent bark that soothes throat and gut irritation by tradition, with minimal trial evidence.
- Overall grade
- Grade D
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade D — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Throat / gut irritationEvidence grade D
Traditional
Unclearlow
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Throat / gut irritation (grade D).
The evidence in words
What it is
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) inner bark forms a soothing mucilage used for sore throat, reflux, and IBS.
How it works
Its mucilage coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
What the evidence shows
Human trials are minimal; use rests largely on tradition and the plausible demulcent mechanism. Safe and benign.
How to use it
As a tea/lozenge or in gut-soothing blends; separate from medications (mucilage can slow absorption).
Safety & interactions
Safe; the mucilage may reduce absorption of drugs taken at the same time.
Bottom line
A benign, traditional throat/gut soother with little formal evidence. Fine to try; separate it from your pills.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Tea/lozenge; separate from meds.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Aloe VeraTopical aloe helps minor burns; oral aloe has modest glucose and IBS signals but a laxative/safety caveat.Evidence grade C
- DGL (Licorice)Deglycyrrhizinated licorice for heartburn and ulcers — the 'DGL' form removes licorice's blood-pressure danger.Evidence grade C
- Digestive EnzymesEssential in true enzyme insufficiency; mostly unnecessary for the general 'bloating' crowd — except lactase for lactose intolerance.Evidence grade C
- Peppermint OilEnteric-coated peppermint oil is a genuinely effective, guideline-endorsed IBS treatment.Evidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.