(NaturalHealth365)  Featuring ridged gray bark and deep green leaves, the slippery elm tree is a common presence in the hardwood forests of North America.  But in its inner bark lies a secret.  Holistic doctors believe that compounds from this ordinary-looking tree may offer an extraordinary gift – the ability to relieve the digestive complaint known as acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Slippery elm, treasured in indigenous American healing systems as a remedy for digestive upsets, has also attracted the attention of contemporary scientists.  In a new report from the National Institutes of Health, researchers gave slippery elm a “thumbs-up” for its absence of adverse effects in clinical studies.  To learn how this natural compound can help to safely and effectively quench the “fire inside,” read on.

SHOCKING: 40 percent of all Americans experience GERD at least once a week

GERD results from a backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, which causes the classic burning sensation in the throat and upper chest.  You may also experience nausea, difficulty swallowing, sour taste, and coughing.  Unfortunately, GERD is extremely common.

In a review published in 2022 in Nutrients, the authors cited a Cedars-Sinai study showing that an astonishing two out of every five Americans have GERD-like symptoms at least once a week.  Western medicine often attempts to treat GERD with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, which is marketed under the brand name Prilosec.

However, PPIs can feature toxic side effects.  Long-term use heightens the risk of magnesium deficiencies, bone fractures, shortfalls in vitamin B-12, kidney disease, and intestinal infections.

With consequences such as these, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of people with GERD are turning to natural interventions – such as slippery elm – for relief.

Formula featuring slippery elm shows significant promise in combating GERD

In an Australian clinical trial published in Nutritional Research, 12 weeks of slippery elm combined with curcumin, aloe vera, and other herbs significantly improved the frequency and severity of indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain in GERD patients.  The participants also reported improved quality of life, higher energy levels, and better sleep quality.  For good measure, the herbal formula improved the health of the gut microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

Amazingly, by the study’s end, almost half the participants taking proton pump inhibitors for heartburn no longer required their medication.  A sizable portion of the volunteers (about 33 percent) were even able to reintroduce common GERD “triggers” such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and caffeine into their diets.

Although more studies are needed, the researchers agree that slippery elm is a “promising ingredient” for relieving GERD.

Why slippery elm is perfectly suited to soothing troubled digestive systems

Slippery elm is rich in antioxidant phenolics, resins, and tannins that can help prevent tissue oxidative damage.  However, its “secret weapon” against GERD is its high content of mucilage, a type of fiber that forms a gel-like substance in water.  Mucilage gives slippery elm natural demulcent qualities (meaning that it can moisturize, hydrate, and protect tissues while relieving inflammation and irritation).

In addition, slippery elm stimulates mucus production, which helps coat irritated tissues in the throat and stomach.  Many holistic doctors maintain that slippery elm’s soothing and protective powers can help prevent ulcers.  While more studies are needed, this natural compound may also hold promise as a natural intervention against a host of digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, “leaky gut,” and Crohn’s disease.

Bonus benefit: Smooth and moisturize dry, itchy winter skin

Slippery elm, botanically known as Ulmus rubra, is available as a supplement.  You can find it in various convenient formulations, including powders, capsules, extracts, tinctures, lozenges, and tea bags.  Choose a high-quality product that has been subject to third-party testing and is sold by a reputable vendor.  Before trying slippery elm, consult your trusted holistic doctor – who can advise you on the proper amount to take.

Slippery elm is also available in ointments and creams for topical use.  Some holistic healthcare providers suggest these to address eczema, psoriasis, and rashes – or simply to soothe and pamper run-of-the-mill dry, itchy skin.

If you’re tired of “feeling the burn” from acid reflux, maybe it’s time to try slippery elm.  This drug-free herbal intervention just might tame the fire.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Verywellhealth.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Healthline.com
Mayoclinic.org
NHS.uk