Herbal Medicine Fact Sheets
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February 28, 2024

Slippery Elm for Sore Throat Relief: Does It Really Work?

Written By
Brittney Bertagna RN
Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
January 14, 2025

Looking for a natural way to support your throat health? Let me introduce you to the traditional use of slippery elm, an herb that has been used for centuries to help soothe throats and support digestive health. While scientific evidence supporting its benefits may be limited, slippery elm continues to be used in herbal remedies and natural supplements to help manage inflammation.

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What Is Slippery Elm?

Slippery elm, scientifically known as Ulmus rubra, is a tree native to North America that has been valued for centuries by Native American tribes for its traditional uses. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree contains a substance called mucilage, which becomes gel-like when mixed with water, giving it a slippery and soothing texture. 

This mucilaginous nature makes slippery elm potentially helpful in soothing throats and supporting digestive comfort. Throughout history, indigenous peoples utilized slippery elm in various forms, including salves, poultices, and teas, to support a wide range of wellness needs. 

Its soothing and emollient properties make it a valuable option for helping to relieve irritation in the throat, stomach, and intestines. The mucilage in slippery elm acts as a protective layer, coating the affected areas and providing comfort. Its historical uses and ongoing applications in natural wellness demonstrate its enduring significance in promoting overall well-being.

Can Slippery Elm Help With A Sore Throat?

Let's address the question: Can slippery elm be used as a potential aid for throat comfort? Slippery elm has long been considered a natural option for throat discomfort. Its ability to form a soothing gel when mixed with water may provide relief and comfort to irritated throats. 

Slippery elm has long been hailed as a natural solution for sore throat discomfort.

Although limited scientific research exists specifically on slippery elm's benefits for sore throats, there is evidence to suggest it may help reduce throat discomfort. 

In a randomized controlled trial, individuals with sore throats who consumed tea containing slippery elm bark reported a reduction in throat discomfort. It's important to note that the tea used in the study contained other herbs as well, making it difficult to attribute the effect solely to slippery elm.

Comfort may be achieved by consuming slippery elm tea, lozenges, or capsules. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using slippery elm or any herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, to ensure safe and appropriate use. 

Does Slippery Elm Help With a Cough?

It is believed that the demulcent properties of slippery elm may play a role in its potential for cough relief. The mucilage present in slippery elm forms a soothing gel that can calm irritated tissues in the mouth and throat, potentially providing relief from coughing and throat discomfort.

Slippery elm has also been observed to support the natural process of clearing mucus and other materials from the airways. This action is thought to occur through spinal reflex signaling mediated by the vagus nerve. By promoting the expulsion of mucus, slippery elm may help manage cough symptoms.

Does Slippery Elm Support The Immune System?

Slippery elm has been found to have immune system-supportive properties, as it contains antioxidant systems that help combat oxidative stress. Slippery elm contains a type of beneficial carbohydrate called mucilage, which can be partially broken down by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). 

These SCFAs act as signaling molecules, regulating immune cell functions and promoting the development of anti-inflammatory responses. They also help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, supporting overall immune health.

Considerations Before Starting Slippery Elm

Before starting slippery elm as a supplement, it is important to consider its key considerations and potential side effects. Slippery elm can support the development of anti-inflammatory responses and help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, which is essential for overall immune health.

However, it is worth noting that slippery elm may interfere with the absorption of essential medications and other dietary or natural supplements due to its mucilaginous nature. It is advisable to take slippery elm supplements separately from other medications, with at least a two-hour interval, to prevent potential interactions. 

Slippery elm is available in various forms, providing flexibility for individuals to choose the most suitable method of administration based on their preferences and specific needs. 

The dosage of slippery elm may vary depending on the method of administration. To ensure safe and effective dosing, consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement, as they can provide tailored guidance based on individual circumstances.

Who Should Not Use Slippery Elm?

Although slippery elm is generally considered safe for most people, some groups should exercise caution or avoid using it altogether. Due to limited scientific evidence, pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious when using slippery elm. In general, herbal supplements, such as slippery elm, should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless they are under a doctor's supervision.

Further, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities should avoid slippery elm or related plants. In rare cases, slippery elm has been reported to cause cutaneous allergic reactions. 

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Key Takeaways

  • Many wellness needs, including throat comfort and digestive support, have been addressed with slippery elm salves, poultices, and teas. Due to its mucilaginous nature, it may be helpful for throat and digestive comfort. 
  • Slippery elm's demulcent properties can also help with cough relief. It has also been observed to support the natural process of clearing mucus from the airway. 
  • The use of slippery elm products is a natural alternative to over-the-counter options for supporting throat comfort.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

Learn more

What is Slippery Elm? The Benefits of Taking Slippery Elm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bITmQ5NR9Ag
July 22, 2024

Lab Tests in This Article

No lab tests!

1. A Soothing Idea: How Slippery Elm Benefits Your Gut. (2021, June 25). Fullscript. https://fullscript.com/blog/slippery-elm-benefits

2. Cloyd, J. (2023a, February 28). A Functional Medicine Protocol for Leaky Gut Syndrome. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-protocol-for-leaky-gut-syndrome

3. Cloyd, J. (2023b, October 11). The Top 6 Benefits of Slippery Elm That Everyone Should Know. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-top-6-benefits-of-slippery-elm-that-everyone-should-know

4. Maholy, N. (2023, May 10). A Functional Medicine Immune Support Protocol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-immune-support-protocol

5. Slippery Elm. (2012). PubMed; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599741/

6. Slippery Elm | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2022, June 30). Www.mskcc.org. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/slippery-elm

7. What are slippery elm’s main benefits? - Examine. (n.d.). Examine.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://examine.com/supplements/slippery-elm/faq/what-are-slippery-elms-main-benefits/

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