Evidence supporting the use of: Ulmus (unspecified)
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ulmus, commonly referred to as slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), has a long history of traditional use in North America for supporting the mucus membranes, especially of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Native American peoples used the inner bark of slippery elm to soothe sore throats, coughs, and gastrointestinal irritation. The demulcent (soothing and coating) properties of the mucilage in slippery elm bark are thought to create a protective layer over mucous membranes, reducing irritation caused by coughs, acid reflux, and even minor wounds.
While modern clinical trials are limited, the demulcent action of slippery elm has been recognized in herbal medicine reference texts, and it continues to be used in lozenges and herbal teas aimed at soothing the throat and digestive tract. Some small studies and case reports suggest benefits for sore throat, gastroesophageal reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome, but high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified slippery elm as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a dietary supplement, but does not endorse specific health claims.
In summary, the use of Ulmus (slippery elm) to support mucus membranes is primarily justified by a strong tradition of use, with plausible mechanisms of action and some supportive but limited scientific evidence. More rigorous research would be needed for a higher evidence rating.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by Ulmus (unspecified)
Digestive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Mucus Membranes
Rectum
Respiratory System
Skin
Stomach
Urinary System