What is Slippery Elm Bark?

Slippery Elm Bark is the dried inner bark of Ulmus rubra, a medium-sized tree in the elm family (Ulmaceae) native to eastern North America. It is also called Red Elm or Indian Elm. The inner bark, the cambium layer just under the outer bark, is rich in mucilage, long-chain polysaccharides that form a slippery gel in water.

About the plant

Slippery Elm grows across the eastern United States and Canada, and its inner bark was used by many Native American peoples for centuries. The species has come under pressure from Dutch elm disease and harvest demand, and it appears on the United Plant Savers "at-risk" list, which makes responsible sourcing important. We work with suppliers practicing sustainable harvest.

Related herbs

• Slippery Elm Bark Tincture — the same bark as a liquid extract.

Slippery Elm Bark: form & sizes

We carry Slippery Elm Bark as organic cut and sifted inner bark, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Slippery Elm Bark in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Slippery Elm Bark at a glance

Botanical name

Ulmus rubra

Family

Ulmaceae

Native region

eastern North America

Plant part

inner bark

Sourcing

Organic

Common names

Slippery Elm, Red Elm, Indian Elm

Primary compound class

Mucilage (long-chain polysaccharides)

Conservation status

United Plant Savers "at-risk"

Form

cut and sifted inner bark

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb