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Can You Use Slippery Elm to Treat Acid
Reflux?
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Natalie
Silver — Updated on May 30, 2023
Benefits
Treatment
Risks and warnings
Other treatments
What you can do
Slippery elm is a medicinal supplement that helps some
people with acid reflux. Research is limited.
Acid reflux can happen when your lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t
seal and close off your esophagus from your stomach. This allows the
contents in your stomach to come back up your esophageal tract, leading
to an inflamed esophagus.
Acid reflux can occur daily, weekly, or less frequently. Those who
experience acid reflux often may have gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD). This condition can lead to more serious health problems,
including damage to your esophagus.
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If traditional medications aren’t helping or if you just want to add
something more to your treatment regimen, slippery elm may be a good
option. People believe this naturally derived supplement coats the
esophagus and stomach to relieve discomfort caused by acid reflux.
What are the benefits of slippery elm?
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Pros
1. The gel can coat and soothe inflamed tissue.
2. This coating can act as a barrier against acidity.
3. Slippery elm can also stimulate the intestines to produce
mucus.
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The slippery elm, or red elm, tree is native to North America. People use
the inner bark for medicinal purposes. It contains a substance called
“mucilage.” When you mix it with water, mucilage becomes a gel.
This gel can coat different parts of the body and may provide relief from
some conditions. For example, this gel can help coat and soothe inflamed
tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. This may be beneficial for people with
acid reflux.
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It can also help stimulate more mucus production in the intestines. This
can help protect against ulcers and extra acidity.
People have used slippery elm for hundreds of years as a natural
medicine. Native Americans used it for:
swollen, infected glands
sore eyes
body sores
sore throats
skin ailments
stomach issues, such as constipation and diarrhea
A 2010 study  confirmed that slippery elm, as part of an herbal
supplement, improves constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS-C). More research is necessary to determine whether slippery elm
has the same effect when you use it alone.
Overall, research on slippery elm is limited.
How to use slippery elm to treat acid reflux
Slippery elm is available in various forms, such as capsules, powder, and
lozenges.
If you’re taking powdered bark, a typical dosage is about one tablespoon
up to three times per day. You can mix it with tea or water.
Adding too much slippery elm to the water may cause it to become too
thick to ingest. You can add sugar and honey to the drink to make it more
palatable.
If you prefer capsules, it’s common to take 400-to 500-milligram capsules
up to three times per day. It’s generally safe to take daily capsules for up
to eight weeks.
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Be sure to read the directions on any slippery elm product that you wish
to use. If you’re ever unsure of how much slippery elm to take, speak with
your doctor. They can help you determine the correct dosage.
Risks and warnings
Most people can take slippery elm without having any side effects.
Because slippery elm coats the digestive tract, it may slow absorption of
certain nutrients or medications. You shouldn’t take any other
supplements or medications within two hours of taking slippery elm.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements.
This means that the contents of each brand of slippery elm may vary. Be
sure to read the label of any product you purchase closely.
If you have any side effects or discomfort after taking slippery elm, you
should stop using it and call your doctor.
Other acid reflux treatment options
A typical treatment regimen may include lifestyle changes, traditional
medications, and alternative therapies. Your first line of treatment may
involve avoiding triggering foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and
getting an adequate amount of exercise.
Some acid reflux medications, such as antacids, are available over the
counter. You shouldn’t take antacids for more than two weeks. If your
symptoms persist, speak with your doctor.
Certain medications can treat your acid reflux over an extended period.
This includes H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. These are
available over the counter or by prescription only depending on the
strength of the medication.
If you have a severe case, surgery to strengthen the esophageal
sphincter may be necessary.
What you can do now
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Although research on slippery elm is limited, it’s possible to take the bark
without having any side effects. If you decide to try this natural remedy,
read the product labels thoroughly and watch for unusual ingredients.
The dosage varies depending on the form of slippery elm. It may interfere
with other medications. You should let your doctor know that you’re using
slippery elm to treat your acid reflux. They can ensure that the bark won’t
interfere with any other medications that you may be taking.
Keep reading: Home remedies for acid reflux/GERD »
Last medically reviewed on May 26, 2016
How we reviewed this article:
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we
update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
May 30, 2023
Written By
Natalie Silver
Edited By
Corie Osborn
May 26, 2016
Medically Reviewed By
Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
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