Slippery Elm: A Gentle Herbal Essential for Every Home

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What herbs should I always have on hand?”

That question is exactly why Dr. James created the 20 Herbs Book in the first place.

Back when he was making house calls—sometimes in the middle of the night—parents would call and say, “My child is awake coughing… vomiting… complaining of a sore throat. What do I give them?”
And more often than not, the answer was something simple like sage, horehound, or slippery elm… which most people didn’t have.

So Dr. James put together a small, practical guide: 20 herbs everyone should keep in their home, along with simple ways to prepare them. Think of it as an herbal first-aid kit—not for emergencies, but for those moments when someone in your home needs comfort right now.

Today, I want to spotlight one of the most important herbs in that kit:
Slippery Elm.

What Is Slippery Elm?

Slippery elm (also called Indian Elm or Indian Bark) comes from a tree native to North America. It grows along rivers and moist areas, stretching from Canada down to Florida and as far west as Texas.

The part we use is the inner bark—that’s where all the magic is. The outer bark is woody and far less effective. The inner bark contains what’s called mucilage, which is what gives slippery elm its unique, soothing properties.

Why Slippery Elm Is So Special

When slippery elm gets wet, it becomes… well… slippery.

That mucilage creates a coating effect, which is incredibly soothing to irritated tissues. Unlike some herbs that stimulate or move things aggressively, slippery elm’s job is to calm, coat, and protect.

This makes it ideal for:

Sore throats
Digestive irritation
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Acidic or inflamed stomachs
Raw or irritated mucous membranes

If a throat is scratchy and inflamed, slippery elm coats it.
If the stomach is upset or raw, slippery elm coats it.
If digestion is irritated, slippery elm calms it down.

Because it’s so gentle, it’s safe for children, adults, and the elderly.

How We Use Slippery Elm in Formulas

You’ll often find slippery elm paired with stronger herbs. A great example is Flem Up.

Some herbs, like lobelia, move mucus quickly and forcefully. Slippery elm is added to:

Soothe the bronchial tissues
Calm irritation
Prevent that “raw” feeling after mucus moves

It acts like a buffer—supporting effectiveness without harshness.

How to Choose Good Slippery Elm

When buying slippery elm, here’s what to look for:

Inner bark only (the more inner, the better)
Powdered form (easiest to use)
Dry and fluffy, not clumpy
Sweet, woody smell — freshness matters

If it’s clumpy, dull-smelling, or woody, it’s likely old or poorly processed.

Common Ways to Use Slippery Elm

1. Tea or Capsules

Capsules are simply powdered tea in a convenient form.
Just remember to drink plenty of water so it can do its coating work.

2. Poultices

Slippery elm is one of the best herbal binders, making it perfect for poultices.

You can mix it with:

Echinacea or goldenseal for abscesses
Burdock or gentian for bruises
Infection-supporting herbs when drawing something out

Add water slowly until it forms a paste, then apply where needed.

The Slippery Elm Drink (A Family Favorite)

One of Dr. James’s most-loved creations is the Slippery Elm Drink, originally made to help his grandparents recover from digestive issues caused by years of processed foods.

This drink:

Soothes sore throats
Calms upset stomachs
Helps with vomiting
Supports digestion during recovery

It’s especially helpful when someone can’t keep anything down.

How It’s Made

Start with milk or a gentle nut milk (cashew or almond works great)
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
Add coconut oil for digestive support
Blend in 1 teaspoon slippery elm powder
Blend until warm
Add a raw egg (or flax/chia gel for a vegan option)

It ends up tasting a bit like eggnog—and it’s incredibly comforting.

Because of its slippery nature, it also helps with both constipation and diarrhea, making elimination easier and gentler.

Storing Slippery Elm

Keep it in a cool, dark place
Avoid direct sunlight
Store in a cupboard or pantry

When stored properly, it keeps well—another reason it’s so good to always have on hand.

Why Slippery Elm Deserves a Place in Every Home

You may not need it every day—but when you do, nothing else quite compares.

Whether it’s:

A stomach bug going around
A sore throat in the middle of the night
Digestive upset
Recovery after illness

Slippery elm is one of those herbs you’ll be very glad you had ready.

If you have questions about using slippery elm, making poultices, or preparing the drink, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help you learn how to use these herbs confidently in your home.

Until next time—take care, and keep a healer in every home. 🌿