How to Use Slippery Elm as a Poultice for Inflammation

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) has a long history of traditional use for soothing irritated tissues. While many people know slippery elm as an herb taken internally for digestive complaints, its powdered inner bark can also be mixed with water to create a simple herbal poultice for topical use.

Why Slippery Elm?

When slippery elm powder comes into contact with water, its mucilage creates a thick, gel-like consistency. Applied externally, this moist, soothing preparation has traditionally been used over areas of irritated, inflamed, or tender skin.

Rather than literally “pulling inflammation out” of the body, a more accurate description is that a slippery elm poultice may soothe and protect irritated tissue while providing a moist, cooling covering.

Common uses include:

• Sore throat — coats and soothes irritated throat tissue; this is one of its best-known uses.

• Dry or irritated cough — used as a demulcent to soothe throat irritation that can trigger coughing.

• Heartburn and acid reflux — sometimes used to coat and soothe the esophagus, although evidence for treating GERD itself is limited.

• Gastritis/stomach irritation — traditionally used to soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues.

• Digestive discomfort — used for general GI irritation because of its mucilaginous consistency.

• Constipation — the bark contains fiber and may help soften or bulk stool when taken with adequate fluid.

• Diarrhea — interestingly, it has also traditionally been used as a soothing agent during diarrhea; evidence is limited.

• IBS symptoms — sometimes included in herbal formulations for constipation, abdominal discomfort, and bowel irregularity.

• Inflammatory bowel conditions — traditionally used for symptomatic soothing, but it has not been proven to treat Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• Mouth and gum irritation — its mucilage may provide a soothing coating to irritated oral tissues.

• Skin irritation — powdered bark mixed with water can be made into a poultice for irritated or tender skin.

• Minor burns — traditionally applied externally as a soothing poultice, although significant burns require medical care.

• Boils and abscesses — historically used as a warm poultice. It should not be described as proven to “draw out” infection, however, and an abscess may require drainage or antibiotics.

• Localized swelling or inflammation — traditionally used as the poultice we discussed, primarily for its moist, soothing effect.

• Minor wounds and abrasions — historically applied externally, although sterile modern wound care is preferable for open wounds.

How to Make a Slippery Elm Poultice

You will need:

• Slippery elm bark powder

• Warm water

• A small bowl

• Clean gauze, cotton cloth, or a washcloth

Place a few tablespoons of slippery elm powder into a bowl. Slowly add warm water while stirring until you have a thick paste—similar to oatmeal or a thick pudding.

Spread the mixture directly onto intact skin or onto a clean piece of cloth or gauze. Place the poultice over the desired area and leave it in place for approximately 20–30 minutes. Remove it and gently rinse the skin with warm water.

The poultice can be repeated as needed if the skin tolerates it well.

A Few Precautions

Slippery elm should not replace medical evaluation for unexplained or significant swelling, redness, heat, severe pain, infection, an abscess, or an injury. Avoid applying homemade preparations to deep wounds or significantly broken skin unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

If you are using slippery elm for a pregnancy-related concern, significant inflammation, or a suspected infection, discuss the situation with your healthcare provider before relying on an herbal remedy.

Slippery elm is a beautifully simple example of how traditional herbal preparations can be used to provide gentle, topical comfort—the humble combination of powdered bark and water creates a soft, soothing poultice that has been used in herbal practice for generations.