• Dr. Bill Rawls

    ABOUT BILL RAWLS, M.D.

    Dr. Rawls' groundbreaking approach to wellness comes from decades of practicing medicine, extensive research in alternative therapies, and firsthand experience helping thousands find their path to wellness. Dr. Rawls is a best-selling author, Medical Director and Co-Founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company and Certified B Corporation.
  • Whats Your Vital Plan? Get a FREE personalized supplement recommendation.
  • Vital Plan Store
  • Slippery Elm Bark
    By Vital Plan
    Reviewed by Bill Rawls, MD
    Medical Director of Vital Plan

    Ulmus rubra, the slippery elm, is a tree native to North America.

    The inner bark has long been used in traditional medicine, particularly by native North Americans, to support digestion and the body’s immune response.

    Slippery elm bark is best-known for its mucilage, a soft fiber with benefits for the entire GI tract. It is also a source of phytosterols, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial fatty acids.

    Benefits of Slippery Elm Bark*

    Ulmus rubra is used internally to:

    • Soothe the gastrointestinal tract
    • Support the stomach’s natural lining
    • Promote regular digestion
    • Normalize elimination
    • Support respiration and ease cough
    • Soothe sore throat
    • Promote a balanced microbiome
    • Support healthy cholesterol levels

    How Slippery Elm Works*

    When consumed with liquid, the mucilage in slippery elm thickens and becomes viscous, coating the mucous membranes along the GI tract to help support healthy absorption of nutrients. Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that slippery elm also causes an increase in natural mucous secretion.

    Slippery elm’s mucilage also has a bulking effect that can promote digestion and regularity. At the same time, Ulmus rubra appears to absorb water in the colon, potentially helping normalize watery bowels. Interestingly, slippery elm has been shown to be useful for occasional constipation and diarrhea, as well as reducing occasional stomach discomfort, bloat, and gas.

    Ulmus rubra may also soothe the stomach lining, and some lozenge manufacturers include slippery elm in their formulas to soothe throat discomfort.

    Side effects: This herb may slow the absorption of orally administered drugs. It is recommended to take slippery elm at least 2 hrs apart from over the counter or prescription drugs.

    Should be taken with at least 8 oz of water.

    Do not take slippery elm if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

    Ingredients similar to Slippery Elm:

    Berberine
    Dandelion Extract

    *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before beginning any diet or program.
    The Cellular Wellness Solution

    Discover more in Dr. Bill Rawls’ new #1 Bestselling book: The Cellular Wellness Solution: Tap Into Your Full Health Potential with the Science-Backed Power of Herbs.

    An eye-opening and empowering book that the world needs right now: The Cellular Wellness Solution will fundamentally change how you think about herbs and the powerful role they play in cultivating wellness at the cellular level.”

    Mark Hyman5 stars
    Mark Hyman, MD
    Fourteen-time #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

    References
    1. Boon Heather, Smith Michael (2009) 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide Second Edition Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, CCNM Toronto.
    2. Hawrelak J et al. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 2010 Oct;16(10):1065-71.
    3. Heydarirad G et al. Medical Mucilage Used in Traditional Persian Medicine Practice. Iran J Med Sci. 2016 May;41(3):S41.
    4. Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism, The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, Healing Arts Press, 2003.
    5. Godfrey Anthony, Saunders Paul, Barlow Kerry, Gowan Matt (2011) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Advanced Botanical Medicine. V3 CCNM Press, Toronto.
    6. Gruenwald, Brendler, Jaenicke, editors. PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th ed. Thompson Healthcare, Inc. 2007.
    7. Wood M. The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism. North Atlantic Books, 2004.
    8. Masse G. The Wild Medicine Solution. Healing Arts Press. 2013.

    About the Medical Director
    Dr. Bill Rawls
    Dr. Rawls is a licensed medical doctor in North Carolina and a leading expert in integrative health. He has extensive training in alternative therapies, and is the Medical Director of Vital Plan, a holistic health and herbal supplement company in Raleigh, NC.

    Get Your FREE, Personalized Supplement Recommendation in 3 Min

    X