Slippery Elm (grey elm, Indian elm, moose elm, red elm, sweet elm, ulmus fulva, winged elm)
Classes: Gastrointestinal, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Grey elm, Indian elm (slippery elm)
Powdered Inner Bark (1:8 decoction)
4-16 ml PO TId
Powdered Inner Bark ( nutritional supplement)
4 g/500 ml water PO TId
Liquid Extract
5 ml PO TID; 1:1 in 60% alcohoL
Poultice
Apply topically; mix course powdered inner bark with boiling water
Suggested uses of Grey elm, Indian elm (slippery elm)
Oral
Colitis/diverticulitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, skin wounds/inflammation (topical), sore throat, ulcer prevention, urinary tract infections
Topical
Wounds, burns, gout, rheumatism, cold sores, boils, abscesses, ulcers, toothaches, sore throat, and as a lubricant to ease labor.
Efficacy
Effective for sore throat; inconclusive for other uses
Grey elm, Indian elm (slippery elm) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Abortifacient (whole bark)
Allergic reaction
Contact dermatitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to pollen
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: abortifacient (whole bark)
Lactation: avoid use
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Grey elm, Indian elm (slippery elm)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Mucilage from inner bark rind stim. GI nerve endings, causing reflex mucus secretion
