Relationship: Dyspepsia and slippery elm bark

Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Dyspepsia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in North American traditional and herbal medicine to soothe digestive discomfort, including symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion). Native Americans and early settlers used the inner bark for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, capitalizing on its mucilaginous (gel-like) properties when mixed with water. This mucilage is thought to coat the lining of the esophagus and stomach, providing a protective barrier that may help alleviate irritation and mild inflammation associated with dyspepsia.

While slippery elm's use for dyspepsia is primarily rooted in tradition, there is some limited modern research and anecdotal clinical experience that supports its soothing effects on the digestive tract. A few small clinical studies and case reports suggest that preparations containing slippery elm may help with symptoms such as heartburn or discomfort related to acid reflux, though these studies often include slippery elm as part of a combination of herbal ingredients, making its specific efficacy difficult to determine. The evidence base is not robust, and high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. Thus, most health authorities consider the evidence for slippery elm's use in dyspepsia to be weak, but its long history of traditional use and its reported safety profile lend some support to its continued role in herbal digestive remedies.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Dyspepsia

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

Other health conditions supported by slippery elm bark

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Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm barkFor the health condition: Dyspepsia

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

Other health conditions supported by slippery elm bark

Products containing slippery elm bark

Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Dyspepsia