Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is an herbal supplement used orally to treat conditions such as Colitis/diverticulitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, sore throat, ulcer prevention, and urinary tract infections. Slippery Elm can be used topically for treatment of wounds, burns, gout, rheumatism, cold sores, boils, abscesses, ulcers, toothaches, sore throat, and as a lubricant to ease labor.

• Slippery elm is effective as treatment for sore throat, inconclusive for others.
• Slippery elm is available under the following different brand names: grey elm, Indian elm, moose elm, red elm, sweet elm, Ulmus fulva, and winged elm.

• Oral
• Topical

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Powdered Inner Bark (1:8 decoction)

• 4-16 ml orally three times daily

Powdered Inner Bark (nutritional supplement)

• 4 g/500 ml water orally three times daily

Liquid Extract

• 5 ml orally three times daily; 1:1 in 60% alcohol

Poultice

• Apply topically; mix course powdered inner bark with boiling water

Side effects of slippery elm include:

• may cause miscarriages (abortifacient) (whole bark)
• allergic reaction
• contact dermatitis

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Slippery elm has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Slippery elm has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Slippery elm has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Slippery elm has no known mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

This medication contains slippery elm. Do not take grey elm, Indian elm, moose elm, red elm, sweet elm, Ulmus fulva, or winged elm if you are allergic to slippery elm or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to pollen
• Pregnancy

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Slippery Elm?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Slippery Elm?"

Cautions

• No information available

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Slippery elm is an abortifacient and may cause miscarriages (whole bark). Avoid use during pregnancy
• Avoid the use of slippery elm when breastfeeding