Can you overdose on slippery elm

These include bacteria that cause [ 33 ]:. Despite the traditional use of slippery elm for these conditions in folk medicine, only a few case studies document their improvement with this remedy. Case studies can only be considered anecdotes with a much lower level of evidence than any clinical studies.

Proper clinical research is needed to confirm this anecdotal evidence. Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes red patches and scales over the skin [ 34 ].

Since slippery elm contains mucilage, it can soothe dry skin, heal wounds, and could be helpful for people with psoriasis [ 8 , 14 ]. In 5 people with psoriasis, slippery elm together with saffron tea and a special diet improved all psoriasis symptoms , such as redness, skin thickness, scaling, and the area of the affected skin [ 15 ].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a digestive disorder that causes stomach contents to return back up into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn and a sensation of bitter-tasting acid in the throat or mouth acid regurgitation [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. In 3 people with GERD, slippery elm together with other herbs and lifestyle changes smoking and alcohol cessation decreased the intensity and frequency of GERD symptoms [ 38 , 39 , 40 ].

Slippery elm together with multivitamins and a magnesium supplement reduced chronic migraines in a year old female with GERD. Slippery elm may have helped more with acid reflux than with migraine, for which magnesium is known to be beneficial [ 40 ]. Further research on the benefits of slippery elm for migraines is needed to tease apart the effect.

No clinical evidence supports the use of slippery elm for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies listed should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.

Both cause diarrhea, weight loss , fatigue and severe stomach pain [ 41 ]. Altered gut microbiota can cause IBD [ 42 ]. People with IBD have lower levels of health-promoting Bacteroides bacteria in the gut. Moreover, Lactobacillus spp. As previously mentioned, slippery elm can fight harmful bacteria that worsen bowel and stomach inflammation, such as Enterobacter , while increasing health-promoting bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp.

Free radicals worsen inflammation and gut damage in IBD [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. In a cell study, slippery elm blocked the release of oxygen radicals involved in ulcerative colitis [ 19 ]. Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with slippery elm or any other supplements.

If you want to use it as a supportive measure, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions. In rats with leukemia, slippery elm together with 3 other herbs burdock root, sheep sorrel, and Chinese rhubarb restored the number of total white blood cells , lymphatic white blood cells lymphocytes , and bone marrow white cells neutrophils [ 48 ].

In cells, this herb mix also decreased the production of immature blood cells and blocked the production of S1P1 Sphingosinephosphate receptor 1 S1P1 , a protein involved in leukemia [ 48 , 49 ].

Slippery elm inner bark also decreased the production of interleukin 8 IL-8 , a chemokine that can cause inflammation and cancer in cell-based studies [ 23 , 24 ]. Essiac is a herbal mixture of slippery elm and burdock root, Indian rhubarb, and sheep sorrel.

In cell studies, Essiac blocked the release of free radicals and reduced DNA damage. Essiac also blocked the growth of breast cancer cells.

Despite its growing popularity, however, there is limited scientific evidence to support the reported benefits of slippery elm.

This article will look at why people have used slippery elm traditionally and why many people continue to use it today. It will also explain the different forms of slippery elm and the potential risks associated with it. According to a study , people living in North America have used slippery elm for several centuries in traditional medicine. Native Americans used slippery elm both topically and internally to help treat conditions such as:. Many people in various communities continue to use slippery elm for these conditions.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. There are several potential uses of slippery elm that are well documented by companies and in the media.

Instead, there are only anecdotal accounts of the benefits of slippery elm as a treatment for certain health conditions. Instead, a person should follow the recommendations of the American Heart Association AHA and lower their blood pressure by:. Learn how to lower blood pressure safely and naturally here. There is limited evidence that slippery elm can help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS , such as diarrhea and constipation. In a review , the researcher stated that slippery elm could help reduce symptoms of IBS.

However, the researcher called for more studies to confirm this. These changes may include:. Doctors sometimes use a combination of herbs to soothe inflammation throughout the digestive tract.

One formula contains marshmallow , slippery elm , cranesbill , and several other herbs. Marshmallow and slippery elm are mucilaginous plants that help soothe inflamed tissues.

Cranesbill is an astringent. Clinical trials using this combination have not been conducted. Demulcent herbs, such as marshmallow , slippery elm , and bladderwrack , are high in mucilage. Mucilage might be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract.

Marshmallow is used for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Other herbs traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn include digestive demulcents soothing agents such as aloe vera , slippery elm , bladderwrack , and marshmallow. None of these have been scientifically evaluated for effectiveness in GERD. However, a drug known as Gaviscon, containing magnesium carbonate as an antacid and alginic acid derived from bladderwrack, has been shown helpful for heartburn in a double-blind trial.

It is not clear whether whole bladderwrack would be as useful as its alginic acid component. Demulcents herbs may be used to treat indigestion and heartburn.

These herbs seem to work by decreasing inflammation and forming a physical barrier against stomach acid or other abdominal irritants. Examples of demulcent herbs include ginger , licorice , and slippery elm.

The mucilage content in slippery elm appears to act as a barrier against the damaging effects of acid on the esophagus in people with heartburn.

It may also have an anti-inflammatory effect locally in the stomach and intestines. Two or more tablets or capsules typically — mg each may be taken three to four times per day. Tincture 5 ml three times per day may also be taken but is believed to be less helpful. Marshmallow and bladderwrack may be used the same way as slippery elm.

Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree. Canoes, baskets, and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark. Slippery elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea.

To date, the evidence of this is mixed. A study found that slippery elm has antioxidant effects on colon tissue samples from people with ulcerative colitis. The study did not show whether the same effect would occur if slippery elm was taken by mouth. Other scientists have looked into whether slippery elm can control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS. A study published in looked at two different formulations containing slippery elm.

The study found that all of the IBS-C subjects who took the supplements reported improvement in their symptoms. The results of this small study are promising, but more research is needed.

There is some evidence that slippery elm may help certain digestive conditions, but the research is mixed. Many of the studies are small and dated. More research is needed. Because there isn't much research, the safety of slippery elm hasn't been established. Common side effects include:. Slippery elm may coat the digestive tract. Because of this, it may interfere with the absorption of certain drugs. If you are taking other medications, take slippery elm at least two hours before or after your other drugs.

When you take your regular medications, drink plenty of water unless otherwise indicated. In folk medicine, the outer bark of the slippery elm tree is sometimes used to induce abortion. There is little evidence that this works. Still, people who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant should avoid slippery elm.

Slippery elm may cause side effects, and some people may be allergic to it. It may also interfere with absorption of other drugs. Take slippery elm at least two hours before or after your other medications. If you are or trying to become pregnant, avoid taking slippery elm. There are no guidelines for the use of slippery elm. Slippery elm is considered safe as a short-term treatment of sore throat. This does not necessarily mean it is safe for other uses. As a general rule, don't take more than the recommended dosage on the product label.

Slippery elm remedies are typically made from the powdered inner bark of the tree. Slippery elm can be purchased in many different forms, including:. Dietary supplements are not closely regulated in the United States. They do not need to undergo rigorous testing or research. Because of this, quality can vary between brands. Always purchase supplements from well-known brands. Look for products that have been quality tested by a third party.

Pharmacopeia or ConsumerLab are examples of organizations that do this kind of testing. Unfortunately, manufacturers of herbal supplements rarely submit products for third-party testing. This means you may have to use your best judgement.