About Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm bark contains mucilage, a gel-forming fiber that coats and soothes the GI tract. Widely used in traditional Western herbalism for GERD, IBS, and sore throat. Virtually no published RCTs — evidence is almost entirely traditional/empirical. One small pilot study showed symptom improvement in IBS patients using a multi-herb formula containing slippery elm. The mucilage content may interfere with absorption of other supplements or medications if taken simultaneously. No established RDA/UL.
What Slippery Elm Bark supports
- Soothes and coats the digestive tract
- Traditionally used for throat and respiratory comfort
How much Slippery Elm Bark to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
400–1600
mg
Traditional dose as bark powder or extract; no standardized clinical dose from RCTs.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence. Long traditional use for GI soothing; virtually no RCT evidence as a standalone supplement
NIH Fact Sheet