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 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.
Who should not take 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.
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