What is slippery elm?
The use of slippery elm in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Slippery elm is also known as Ulmus fulva, red elm, sweet elm, Indian elm, and moose elm.
Slippery elm has been used orally to soothe irritation or ulceration of the stomach and intestines.
Topically or locally, it has been used for toothaches, cold sores, abcesses, boils, ulcers, burns, and
other skin conditions.
Slippery elm has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of slippery elm may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Slippery elm may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking slippery elm?
Before taking slippery elm, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Slippery elm may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take slippery elm without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether slippery elm will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take slippery elm without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether slippery elm will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of slippery elm by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take slippery elm?
The use of slippery elm in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to use slippery elm, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of slippery elm with a full glass of water.
Allow the lozenge forms of slippery elm to dissolve slowly in your mouth.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of slippery elm with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of slippery elm can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Topical forms of slippery elm are intended for external use only.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of slippery elm at
the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of slippery elm.
Store slippery elm as directed on the package. In general, slippery elm should be protected
from light.
What happens if I miss a dose of slippery elm?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of slippery elm. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about slippery elm?
Your pharmacist has information about slippery elm written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of slippery elm?
Although rare, allergic reactions to slippery elm may occur. Stop taking slippery elm and
seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
An allergic rash has been reported infrequently with the use of topical slippery elm preparations.
Other less serious side effects have not been reported. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about slippery elm?
Slippery elm has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of slippery elm may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking slippery elm?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking slippery elm, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect slippery elm?
Interactions between slippery elm and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking slippery elm if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of slippery elm?