Slippery Elm

The bark of the slippery elm tree has traditionally been used to treat and soothe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in conditions such as cough, dry throat, indigestion, reflux, gastrointestinal inflammation, sore throat, diarrhoea, and IBS symptoms. Slippery elm is considered a demulcent herb, a group of herbs with a high level of mucilage. Slippery elm contains certain carbohydrates, so that when in contact with water, slippery elm becomes a slippery viscous material, allowing it to coat and soothe the gastrointestinal tract once ingested. By coating the gastrointestinal tract, slippery elm can also protect the irritated gut mucosa from gastric acid and any irritating gastric contents.

Research has shown that two herbal formulations containing slippery elm have been effective in gut health. One herbal formula containing a combination of slippery elm and glutamine, also an ingredient in Happy Gut, taken by adults with gastrointestinal issues found an improvement in both upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms by 40-60%, including severe reflux, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal permeability, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Consequently, improvements with quality of life, physical function, mood, energy and sleep also improved by 60-80%, as well as a healed gut mucosa in over half of participants by the end of the study.

A herbal formula consisting of slippery elm, lactulose, oat bran and liquorice root demonstrates the possible effect of slippery elm’s mucilaginous properties, similarly finding that supplementation improved multiple gastrointestinal symptoms in those with constipation-predominant IBS. Participants experienced an increase in bowel movement frequency by 20%, as well as significant improvements in straining, abdominal pain, bloating, symptom severity and stool consistency. Furthermore, developing research shows that slippery elm may also have prebiotic potential within the gut to improve gastrointestinal symptoms, adding to its collection of functions.