How to Take Slippery Elm Powder

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1 Deciding If Slippery Elm Is Right for You

2 Using Slippery Elm Powder

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Co-authored by Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 21, 2022 Approved

Slippery elm powder is a natural treatment made from the bark of the elm tree. While it's recommended to relieve a variety of ailments, studies show that it's most effective when treating irritable bowel syndrome, sore throats, and skin irritation. Always consult with your doctor before taking slippery elm powder, and follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Deciding If Slippery Elm Is Right for You

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   Talk with your doctor before adding a supplement. You should always consult with your doctor about taking a new supplement, especially if you're taking other medications. Slippery elm powder has been shown to slow down the absorption of oral medications. If you're taking medications by mouth, ask your doctor if it's safe to add slippery elm powder.

   • Because not enough research has been done, avoid using slippery elm powder if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. 
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   Take slippery elm powder to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies have shown that slippery elm powder has a laxative effect. This makes it an effective treatment for constipation-predominant IBS.

   • Some research has also shown that herbal treatments containing slippery elm powder reduced stomach pain, bloating, and gas with diarrhea-predominant IBS.
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3. 
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   Use the powder if you have a sore throat. Because slippery elm powder has a mucous-like quality, it can coat and soothe irritated throats. It may also relieve coughs and throat pain.

   • In addition to easing a sore throat, slippery elm may also help with coughs, colds, and other upper respiratory issues.
   • Slippery elm is also available in lozenges that can reduce the pain of common colds.
4. 
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   Apply slippery elm powder to skin abscesses and ulcers. Research shows that mixing slippery elm powder into a paste and applying it to skin can relieve dryness and irritation. It's also used to soothe eczema, skin abscesses, and ulcers.
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   Look for rash, hives, or irritation if you're applying it topically. Although slippery elm powder is considered to be safe when taken orally, there are possible side effects when taken topically. If you spread slippery elm powder on your skin, stop using it if you notice:

   • Rash
   • Hives
   • Swelling
   • Redness
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using Slippery Elm Powder

1. 
   1
   Take slippery elm at least 1 hour after other medications if necessary. If you're taking oral medications and your doctor has told you that you can take slippery elm powder as well, wait at least 1 hour after taking the medication before using the slippery elm.

   • Waiting will give the medication a chance to be absorbed before the slippery elm slows it down.
2. 
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   Dissolve slippery elm powder in water and drink it. Follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions to mix up slippery elm powder. Most manufacturer's will have you stir 1 to 2 teaspoons (1.5 to 3 g) of slippery elm powder into 1 glass of water. Drink the mixture immediately before it has a chance to thicken up.

   • You'll probably need to drink the slippery elm mixture up to 4 times a day.
   • If you don't like the flavor, consider dissolving the powder in juice instead of water.
3. 
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   Make slippery elm powder into gruel. If you'd rather eat the slippery elm powder than drink it, place 1 to 2 teaspoons (1.5 to 3 g) of the powder into a small saucepan. Stir in your choice of oats, rice, or grains and pour in enough water or milk to thin the mixture. Heat the gruel over medium heat and then sweeten it with a little honey or sugar.

   • Because this is flexible, you can make the gruel as think, thick, or sweet as you like.
4. 
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   Mix the slippery elm powder into a tea. If you prefer to sip hot tea, place 1 teaspoon (1.5 g) of the powder in a pint jar. Measure 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water into the jar and screw a lid on it. Shake the jar to dissolve the powder and then take the lid off. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water and screw the lid back on. Shake the jar for about 5 seconds and take the lid off. Let the tea sit for 1 minute so it thickens a little before you sip it.

   • You can let the tea sit for longer, but it will become thicker the longer it rests.
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   Mix the slippery elm powder with hot water to make a topical paste. Scoop a few spoonfuls of slippery elm powder into a small mixing bowl. Pour a few drops of water into the powder and stir. Continue to stir in a few drops of water at a time until the slippery elm becomes as thin as you like. Spread the paste over your dry skin, abscess, or skin ulcer.

   • Leave the paste on for 1 to 2 hours and keep it moist by spritzing it with cool water.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What's the best use for slippery elm?

  

  Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN
  Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner

  Anne Dunev is a certified Clinical Nutritionist, Naturopathic Practitioner, and Owner of Well Body Clinic, a wellness clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 25 years of experience, Anne specializes in herbal medicine, functional medicine, women's health, hormonal balance, and digestion. Anne holds a BS in Health Sciences from Ohio State University and a PhD in Natural Medicine. Furthermore, Anne holds a post-doctorate certification in Applied Clinical Nutrition for the Southern California University of Health Sciences. She has taught clinical nutrition, kinesiology, and soft tissue manipulation at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, UK. She has been a featured speaker at the International Wellness Festivals in Sun Valley, Idaho and St. Hill, UK. Anne has also been a guest on over 150 radio and television programs. She is the author of the weight-loss book called, “The Fat Fix Diet”.

  

  Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN

  Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner

  Expert Answer

  Slippery elm helps with cough, sore throats, colds, and upper respiratory issues. It comes in various forms, including tablets and lozenges. You could even make your own syrup or tincture with it.

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