Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery Elm
For the health condition: Indigestion

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Synopsis

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

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has been used traditionally in North American herbal medicine for centuries, particularly by Native American tribes, for treating digestive complaints, including indigestion, heartburn, and sore throat. The inner bark of slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. This mucilage is believed to coat and soothe the lining of the stomach and esophagus, potentially providing symptomatic relief from irritation associated with indigestion or acid reflux.

While slippery elm’s use for indigestion is well-documented in traditional herbal texts and persists in modern herbal practice, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. A few small, preliminary clinical studies and case reports have evaluated slippery elm in combination with other herbs for gastrointestinal conditions, but robust, high-quality randomized controlled trials focusing on slippery elm alone for indigestion are lacking. The available studies suggest that slippery elm may offer some soothing effects, likely due to its mucilage content, but do not provide strong confirmation of effectiveness for indigestion as a standalone intervention.

Overall, slippery elm’s use for indigestion is primarily justified by traditional use, with only modest scientific investigation and no conclusive clinical validation. It is generally considered safe for short-term use, but those with underlying health conditions or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before use.

More about Slippery Elm
More about Indigestion

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Products containing Slippery Elm

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