Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the body system: Vocal Cords

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Synopsis

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

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of traditional use in North America, particularly among Native American populations, for soothing sore throats and supporting vocal health. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that forms when mixed with water. This mucilage is believed to coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat, including the vocal cords. Herbalists and singers have used slippery elm lozenges or teas to relieve hoarseness, throat irritation, and loss of voice, especially due to overuse of the vocal cords.

However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. While the mucilaginous properties of slippery elm bark are well-documented and can provide a soothing sensation, few clinical studies have evaluated its effectiveness specifically for vocal cord health or vocal performance. Most references are anecdotal or derive from traditional herbal medicine texts. Some research has focused on its general soothing effects for sore throats and cough, but robust, controlled trials are lacking. Therefore, while its traditional use for supporting the vocal cords is widely recognized, scientific validation remains minimal.

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