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Health Benefits of Slippery Elm Powder
- By Sharon Erdrich
- Digestive Health, Gut Health Blog
Slippery elm is the common name of a remarkable tree native to North America with a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra) is rich in mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. This unique property makes slippery elm an effective remedy for soothing irritated tissues, particularly in the digestive tract. While it has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, its benefits for gut health have recently gained significant attention.
The Role of Slippery Elm in Digestive Health
The mucilaginous property of slippery elm allows it to act as a natural demulcent, forming a protective barrier that coats the lining of the stomach and intestines. This additional layer of protection provides a barrier against gastric acid, and at the same time soothes inflamed tissues, providing relief from conditions such as gastritis and ulcers. This protective effect makes slippery elm a valuable ally for maintaining gastrointestinal health.
Benefits for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Slippery elm has been recognised for its potential benefits in supporting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mucilage’s soothing properties help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, while the antioxidant components of slippery elm bark work to combat oxidative stress, a factor often associated with chronic inflammation. By addressing these contributing factors, slippery elm has the potential to help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with IBD.
A Natural Remedy for Constipation
Slippery elm’s mucilage content also classifies it as a gentle bulking laxative. When consumed, it absorbs water in the intestines, aiding the formation of soft, bulky stool that is easier to pass. This makes slippery elm an effective ally for constipation, promoting regular and healthy bowel movements. Its gentle laxative effect, combined with its soothing properties, makes it a suitable option for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Slippery Elm’s Efficacy
Studies have highlighted the benefits of slippery elm in various gastrointestinal conditions. For instance, a formula containing slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran, and liquorice root has been shown to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in individuals with constipation-predominant IBS. Participants in the study experienced increased bowel movement frequency, improved stool consistency, and reduced abdominal pain and bloating.
Another study involving a formula that included slippery elm, curcumin, aloe vera, and other natural ingredients demonstrated significant improvements in heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The formula also reduced intestinal permeability and improved the microbial profile of participants’ gut microbiomes, indicating slippery elm’s potential role in enhancing gut health and function.
The Mechanisms Behind Slippery Elm’s Gut Health Benefits
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of slippery elm are primarily attributed to its mucilaginous nature. By coating and soothing irritated tissues, slippery elm helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Slippery elm contains polyphenols as well as antioxidants, which work synergistically to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in many chronic diseases.
Prebiotic Effects
Slippery elm may also support gut health by acting as a prebiotic – this is essential food for probiotics. Its high polysaccharide content can be partially digested by intestinal microbiota, producing beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs play a crucial role in maintaining gut barrier integrity, modulating immune responses, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This prebiotic effect further enhances slippery elm’s contribution to gut health and overall well-being.
Considerations and Precautions
While slippery elm has a GRAS (generally considered as safe) rating, it is important to be aware of potential interactions and precautions. Due to its mucilaginous nature, slippery elm may interfere with the absorption of medications and other supplements. To avoid this, it is advisable to take slippery elm at least two hours apart from other medications.
No clinical trials that have reported on adverse events associated with use of slippery elm preparations, and it has been reported as possibly linked to rare reports of allergic skin symptoms.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when considering slippery elm, as there is limited scientific evidence regarding its safety in these populations. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Additionally, individuals with narrowing of the oesophagus, or other gastrointestinal disorders should be cautious when using slippery elm, as its swelling properties have the potential to cause gastrointestinal obstruction – this is mitigated by ensuring adequate fluid intake when taking it. Overall, good hydration is essential when taking slippery elm to prevent constipation and ensure its safe and effective use.
Environmental Considerations
The increasing popularity of slippery elm has raised concerns about the sustainability of its use, particularly when other threats such as Dutch elm disease also impact the slippery elm tree population. To protect this valuable natural resource, it is important to consider sustainable harvesting practices and explore alternative demulcent herbs when appropriate.
Note that Auckland Gut Clinic’s pure slippery elm powder is from a certified sustainable wild-crafted source.
Incorporating Slippery Elm Into Your Routine
Slippery elm is available in various forms, the most common are as a pure powder, capsules or tablets. The most common way to consume slippery elm is by preparing a gruel—mixing one tablespoon of slippery elm powder with a cup of water to create a gel-like mixture. This can be taken up to three times a day, depending on individual needs and preferences. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and form for your specific health goals.
In conclusion, slippery elm offers a range of benefits for gut health, from soothing inflammation and irritation to promoting regular bowel movements and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Its unique properties make it a valuable addition to natural health practices aimed at improving digestive health and overall well-being.
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References
Edwards, SE et al. Slippery Elm. In book: Phytopharmacy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medical Products. 2015
Joo YE. Natural product-derived drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Intest Res. 2014 Apr;12(2):103-9.
Peterson CT et al. Prebiotic Potential of Herbal Medicines Used in Digestive Health and Disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jul;24(7):656-665.
Slippery Elm. NLM Bookshelf. [Updated 2024 Jan 5]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599741/
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