What Is Slippery Elm? Benefits, Uses & Where to Buy It in Australia

Slippery elm has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly for digestive and throat complaints. But what exactly is it, what are its benefits and how do you use it?

Here's what you need to know about this traditional herbal ingredient.

What Is Slippery Elm?

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree native to North America. Its inner bark is dried and ground into a fine powder, which has traditionally been used in herbal preparations.

One of its most interesting features is its natural mucilage content. When mixed with water, this plant fibre creates a thick, gel-like texture.

It's this characteristic that has made slippery elm a familiar ingredient in traditional herbal preparations for generations.

What Are the Benefits of Slippery Elm?

Slippery elm is most commonly associated with digestive health and throat comfort, largely because of its mucilage content.

Digestive health

Slippery elm has a long history of traditional use for digestive discomfort. When mixed with liquid, its mucilage forms a gel-like consistency, which is why it has traditionally been used in soothing digestive preparations.

Throat comfort

Slippery elm has also been used in traditional herbal preparations for dry and irritated throats.

Natural plant fibre

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a naturally occurring type of plant fibre that gives the powder its distinctive texture when mixed with water.

While slippery elm has a long history of traditional use, research into its health benefits is still limited. It shouldn't be considered a proven treatment for digestive conditions or other medical concerns.

How Do You Use Slippery Elm Powder?

Slippery elm powder is easy to prepare. It's usually mixed with water or juice and stirred before drinking.

For Living Valley Slippery Elm Powder, the directions recommend adding one teaspoon to a glass of water or juice, stirring and drinking promptly, or following your healthcare professional's advice.

Because slippery elm contains mucilage, it can thicken quite quickly once mixed with liquid.

If you're taking medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an existing health condition, check with your healthcare professional before using it. Slippery elm may interfere with the absorption of some oral medications.

Is Slippery Elm Powder the Same as Slippery Elm Bark?

Yes, slippery elm powder is made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree.

You might see it labelled as slippery elm bark, slippery elm bark powder or simply slippery elm powder. It's also available in capsules and lozenges, depending on how you prefer to use it.

Where Can You Buy Slippery Elm Powder in Australia?

At Living Valley Health Shop, we stock our own Living Valley Slippery Elm Powder (150g) online and instore.

Our health shop is located at Living Valley Health Retreat in Kin Kin, in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. With more than 35 years of experience in natural health and wellness, we've developed our own range of products alongside a collection of supplements, wholefoods, skincare and everyday wellness essentials.

You can shop our slippery elm powder online for delivery across Australia, or visit us in person.

Visit Living Valley Health Shop
15 Sheppersons Lane
Kin Kin QLD 4571
Noosa Hinterland, Queensland

Shop Living Valley Slippery Elm Powder, 150g

This article is for general information only and isn't intended as medical advice. Traditional use doesn't necessarily mean a product has been scientifically proven to treat a health condition.