Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery Elm
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America, where indigenous peoples utilized its inner bark for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions associated with itching. The mucilage content in slippery elm is thought to have soothing and demulcent effects, which may help calm minor skin irritations and itching when applied topically or ingested to soothe throat and digestive tract irritations that sometimes manifest with itching as a secondary symptom (such as in allergic reactions).
However, while traditional use is well-documented, there is a lack of robust scientific studies specifically investigating slippery elm's effectiveness for treating itching (pruritus) in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical texts and ethnobotanical sources. Some herbalists may recommend it for skin health or as part of remedies for eczema or psoriasis, conditions that often involve itching, but this is not based on clinical trials. Overall, its reputation for supporting itching relief is rooted in tradition rather than scientific validation, and the quality of evidence supporting its use for this specific indication is low.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
Other health conditions supported by Slippery Elm
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Appetite (deficient)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Enteritis
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leucorrhea
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis