Slippery elm

Slippery elm is a tree also known as Indian Elm, Moose Elm, Olmo Americano, Orme, Orme Gras, Orme Rouge, Red Elm, Sweet Elm, Ulmus fulva, Ulmus rubra, and other names.

Slippery elm has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective treatment for sore throat.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include cancer, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, cough, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, and others.

It is not certain whether slippery elm is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Slippery elm should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Slippery elm is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Slippery elm may also be used for reasons not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, ask your doctor for advice. You might also want to talk to a practitioner who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use slippery elm, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of slippery elm (like tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time unless a health care professional specifically tells you to do so. Using different forms together raises the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with slippery elm does not get better, or if it worsens while you are using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

Before using slippery elm, speak with your healthcare provider. You might not be able to use slippery elm if you have certain medical conditions.

It is not known if slippery elm will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known if slippery elm passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, slippery elm is thought to be likely safe for most people when taken by mouth.

Common side effects of slippery elm may include:

• skin irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra slippery elm to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with slippery elm, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.

Do not take slippery elm without medical advice if you are taking:

• any oral medicine (taken by mouth).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with slippery elm, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.