I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. I am not a doctor; please consult your practitioner before changing your supplement or healthcare regimen. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This article shares how to use SLIPPERY ELM and MARSHMALLOW ROOT for various GI-related issues.
What do you say to herbs that are slippery and milky and soothing to the gut?
They’re easy to add to smoothies, hot cereals, breads, porridges, puddings, teas and coffees. And they taste good. They taste healthy; but they taste good-healthy.
Multitudinous testimonies and studies boast these two herbs’ gastrointestinal powers: relief of symptoms for those suffering from various conditions ranging from leaky gut to interstitial cystitis to acid reflux … Let’s look more closely.
Slippery elm: history and uses
Used for hundreds of years and by different native people groups, slippery elm is now being used to treat IBS, calming the gut.
Commonly written about in alternative health journals, slippery elm is used topically to treat wounds; and internally it’s used not only to treat stomach issues like diarrhea, but also to treat coughs and soothe sore throats.
Slippery elm contains mucilage, which is a gel-like polysaccharide. This substance coats the intestines and gives the herb its name.
Gut healing
For those who may lack adequate mucosal lining, due to leaky gut, slippery elm provides this protective barrier.
However, the herb is not only protective. It’s also high in antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Porridge with slippery elm
I first initiated myself with slippery elm by making a simple porridge.
This grain-free porridge (the recipe is in my cookbook) is nutrient-dense, yet gentler than a bowl of soaked oatmeal, safe and suggested for invalids and even infants.
Cinnamon, raw (or dairy-free) milk or cream, raw egg yolk and unrefined sweetener can all be added. Up to 5 tablespoons slippery elm powder can be used per serving.
I now conveniently add slippery elm, 1 tablespoon, to my bulletproof treats: 1, 2, 3, and 4. (They’re steamy, hot beverages fortified with gelatin, frothy and delicious.)
Slippery elm can be used three times a day for gastritis, as well as for lung conditions.
Lung tonic and other uses
To use as a lung tonic, steep the bark for 25 minutes. Optionally, add lemon, cayenne and raw honey. Sip throughout the day, about a pint total, for relief.
There are many other uses, too, for slippery elm: pleurisy, tooth decay, typhoid fever, interstitial cystitis, hormone balancing, heart issues and constipation.
Slippery elm can even be used safely for cats and dogs (mixed into their food).
And, added bonus, slippery elm is a prebiotic food; (it’s consumed in the colon by probiotics, creating a healthier gut ecosystem).
You can buy slippery elm powder HERE.
Marshmallow root: history and uses
First used by the Greeks and Egyptians as both food and medicine almost 3000 years ago, and then in Africa, China and Europe, continents where it grows natively, today marshmallow root is often associated with sweet confections.
But by herbalists, marshmallow root is most commonly used for dry coughs and sore throats, reduction of inflammation, to break up mucous and to kill bacteria.
Marshallow root’s polysaccharides give it similar mucilaginous properties to slippery elm. (This quality is also what historically made it suitable for candy-making: the fluff potential.)
Additionally, marshmallow root is antibacterial.
Gut healing
More recently, marshmallow root is being used to treat ulcerative colitis, ulcers, Crohn’s, heartburn, kidney stones and indigestion.
Many who’ve suffered from interstitial cystitis find some relief from symptoms by using 2-4 capsules of marshmallow daily.
Tangentially, marshmallow root is being explored for its uses with asthma, eczema and diabetes.
How marshmallow root works
Internally, marshmallow root’s gooey texture coats the stomach’s lining.
It contains flavenoids that fight inflammation, while also shielding a compromised gut from the caustic aspects of digestion. The mucilage itself does not digest until it reaches the colon, making it a prebiotic food (food for probiotics).
Additionally, marshmallow actually engulfs undigested food particles that may be harmful to a leaky gut condition, as well as bacteria and dead cell tissues. It’s cleaning up, while it’s protecting and healing.
Marshmallow root for IBS
Marshmallow root may be helpful for sufferers of IBS. Studies show it helps to rebuild epithelial cell tissues by creating a top surface on the cells, allowing them to regenerate. It is anti-inflammatory, reducing ulcers in patients and improving digestive circulation.
Of course, other dietary choices are significant for IBS to resolve: oftentimes eliminating rice (which can cause alternating diarrhea and constipation) and including gentle foods that are high in fiber, such as homemade oatmeal or buckwheat.
How to take marshmallow root
Because of the way marshmallow root absorbs toxins, it should not be taken with medications, as it may render them ineffective.
Which one to buy
- Find organic bulk sifted marshmallow root here.
- If you’d like something delicious and helpful, I recommend this wonderful tea.
- You can also buy the fully powdered herb HERE in capsule form. It’s very inexpensive, which is nice.
Dose of marshmallow root
- For the bulk sifted root, 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons may be used in teas or other settings, such as porridges and smoothies.
- Approximately 4-6 grams a day, in capsule form, can be used for persons suffering from Crohn’s, colitis or diverticulitis.
For those with acid reflux (including pregnant women), approximately 2-4 grams marshmallow root can be used in place of heartburn medication, with many patients noticing zero symptoms within several days.
How else to support digestion
As a side note, those with acid reflux may consider using digestive bitters or Betaine HCl instead of medication.
These are my favorite bitters.
This HCl is non-GM.
Or, make your own bitters, here.
Cautions with marshmallow root include these:
It may lower blood sugar levels; and it has a diuretic effect for some.
The diuretic effect is actually quite beneficial for many conditions, as marshmallow helps to draw bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Have you used one or both of these herbs? What conditions were alleviated as a result?
Related articles you may like:
Additional sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11860402
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-slippery-elm.html
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/slippery-elm
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/elmsli09.html
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/slippery-elm-bark-capsules/profile
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marshmallow.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-774-marshmallow.aspx?activeingredientid=774&
www.herbalpedia.com/blog/?p=7 8
draxe.com/marshmallow-root /
Renee Kohley says
I didn’t realize all these benefits for both of these herbs. I have used slippery elm after tummy bugs or with diarrhea with bugs the girls have gotten and felt it worked really well – thank you for this great resource to share!
Megan Stevens says
You’re welcome. It’s good to hear your uses and success with slippery elm. Thanks for sharing.
Laurie says
Is it a good idea to use both of these powders at the same time? I suffer with acid reflux/indigestion.
Megan says
You certainly can. It would probably be best to try them individually first, so you see how you do with each one, and then you can try combining them if you feel it would be helpful at that point.
Arlene says
I made two 24 oz mason jars of slippery elm and marshmallow tea. Only to find out you shouldn’t store it in the fridge for more than 7 days. So can I freeze it in a freeze safe jar?
Linda jones says
Do it help with gastroparesis
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Wow very cool! I didn’t know about either of these for this purpose. I have used marshmallow root as a tincture before and slippery elm powder with raw honey during illness.
Megan Stevens says
Thanks for sharing!
linda spiker says
I have never used either of these herbs. Good to know! Pinned!
Megan Stevens says
Thank you!
Anna @GreenTalk says
Can you use these herbs interchangeably? I have always had an issue using tree bark. Once you grow marshmallow in the garden, you are blessed with tons of it.
Megan Stevens says
I don’t think of them as interchangeable, no. They have similar benefits, though, for sure. Their mucilaginous properties are certainly similar and the herbs can be used interchangeably in that sense and for that function. But they also have differences; for instance, I would not use marshmallow root with pets. Thanks for the great question. Love that you have your own marshmallow.
Wondering says
Hi Megan. Since I am on this very page to find out if Marshmallow Root Powder or Slippery Elm Bark Powder is the better choice for use in my cat, your statement — the first of its kind that I have found….anywhere — is troubling. Especially since you stated it and did not explain “why.” So…..please, please tell me: WHY do you not recommend marshmallow root with pets?
A well-known veterinarian, Dr. Jean Hofve, has stated that use of Marshmallow Root Powder is acceptable…she runs a site, “Little Big Cat” along with another public figure (Jackson Galaxy) and she is currently one of the foremost voices in holistic pet health today. She also recommends use of Slippery Elm Bark Powder for gut issues in cats (and dogs).
I never take anything at face value, though, which is why I wound up searching for more information on both Slippery Elm Bark Powder and Marshmallow Root Powder. Also, Marshmallow Root Powder is used in a few petcare products that target inflammation and gut dysbiosis (in various probiotic blends)…..soooo…..oh man, I’m bummed. PLEASE tell me why you do not recommend use of Marshmallow Root Powder in pets! Please.
Is it the potential for diuretic effects with Marshmallow Root Powder….? Is that it?
My main concern with Slippery Elm Bark Powder is its high calcium and magnesium content. I was hoping that Marshmallow Root Powder would be an alternative to potential issues with those two components. Though, I hear that Marshmallow Root Powder may be high in calcium as well (though HOW high….unsure, and magnesium content is never mentioned….whether it is high, low, or even exists at all)…
And my pet is a cat, please keep that in mind (not that I don’t care to know if it’s safe in dogs, but I really need to know why it would not be used in a cat). Thanks in advance for any and all clarification with this very important information. <3
Anya | Prepare & Nourish says
I’ve used marshmallow root in…..marshmallows! But never really considered to include it into recipes to intentionally up the nutriention but totally makes sense. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Megan.
Megan Stevens says
Yummy, Anya! I love homemade marshmallow that actually contain the root! 🙂
Carol @studiobotanica says
Good post. Well researched. I SO appreciate that you note your sources. As an herbalist, I am interested in where herb info comes from!! As always, I value your thoughts and good ideas!
Megan Stevens says
Thank you, Carol. I appreciate your kind words! 🙂
Marjorieann1977 says
Thank you for this article! So much I didn’t know about. Pinned to my gut health board 🙂
Megan Stevens says
I’m so glad it was helpful. Thank you.
Rhonda Brougher says
I have been on gaps intro for 2 wks now for Hashimotos, your blog has been my lifeline, thank you. I am wanting some kind of prebiotic that is gaps legal, would you consider this to be? (Do you recommend it with meals when I am already taking betaine hcl with meals? )
Megan Stevens says
Hi Rhonda, thank you for your comment and questions. I’m so glad the blog is helpful to you! For GAPS, THE best thing to do, in my opinion, would be to stock up on fresh asparagus and ferment it. You could also do this with onions and garlic, if they do not cause bloating. They’re very high in prebiotics, which are lost when cooked, but heightened when fermented; and asparagus should not be eaten raw. This is the best option, and I don’t recommend any prebiotic supplement. Thus you could take the fermented food, yes, with your meals. 🙂 You could begin eating just a small amount with each meal and increase over time, getting your prebiotic and probiotics from the same food source.
Megan Stevens says
One more addition– yes, slippery elm is prebiotic! 🙂 However, I’m not sure that Dr. Natasha ever addresses this food/supplement option. So it’s hard to say it’s GAPS legal without her stamp of approval. I personally believe it to be.
Rhonda Brougher says
Also, I just started on the Prescript Assist probiotic that you recommend. I take that in between breakfast and lunch. If I wanted to make sure that the slippery elm wouldn’t decrease the probiotic effectiveness, how much time should I wait after taking the probiotic to take the slippery elm?
Megan Stevens says
You can take the slippery elm with meals. It is like a bandage to your gut lining. 2 teaspoons mixed with a bit of water would be great.
Ciara says
Hi Megan,
Thank you for providing so much info on IC and GAPS on your website! After discovering GAPS diet in your interstitial cystitis article, I began the intro diet about 7 weeks ago. My IC seems to have gotten slightly worse (more frequency) and I am constantly bloated. I’m about to start taking HCL and I am now considering trying the marshmallow root. Do you know if it is GAPS legal? Do you have any advice in regards to Frequency and bloating?
Megan Stevens says
Hi Ciara, I would get your food intolerance evaluation done with Dr. Zeff, which I mention at some length in my IC post. Also, you may have a FODMAP sensitivity or SIBO, both of which produce bloating. Probiotics can cause bloating if it’s SIBO. If the FODMAP issue, onions and winter squash, avocado, many foods can cause bloating. I don’t think Dr. Natasha addresses herbs like marshmallow root. I’m glad you’re starting with HCl; that’s great. If you can notice which foods cause the bloating or if probiotics are the culprit, those are good places to start.
Ericka says
I just love your brain Megan!
You’ve become my go to while trying VERY hard to heal my IC and what ever is going on in my gut. I was using both these herbs especially Marshmallow root, but had stopped everything for a couple months to give myself a break. I’ve started to do the full GAPS diet, but need to make the plunge and do the Intro here soon.
I’m so glad I found this article. You’ve inspired me to add these back into my diet 🙂 Or at least try them tomorrow!
On another note, do you recommend using probiotics during the Intro stage of GAPS?
Also, how did you find out you were suffering from Candida? Did you rotate your herbs while doing the GAPS Intro diet or afterwards? How long did it take you to get your Candida in control?
I suspect there is some pathogen causing my bowls to be soft, but I was under the impression that that would normalize out once my gut healed. From your blogs it looks like I might need to add some herbs in the rotation too. Are there any that didn’t cause your IC to flare?
Thank you again for sharing all your wisdom with us!
Megan Stevens says
Hi Ericka! I’m so glad the post is helpful. Thank you for your kinds words. 🙂 Regarding probiotics and the Intro. Diet, I think it’s best to start out as Dr. Natasha recommends, by slowly introducing sauerkraut juice and then sauerkraut, then yogurt etc. I was on a very modified GAPS Diet when I did the herbal rotation- part Intro, part full diet, but very restrictive. I spent probably a full year overcoming pathogen overgrowth. I worked with a doctor in New York, via the phone, and then on my own and with Dr. Zeff toward the end of the process. Most of the herbs I took did not cause my IC to flare. The one exception I list in my post on the subject as not being gentle (Kolorex). Here’s the post if you haven’t already found it: http://eatbeautiful.net/2015/08/16/how-to-heal-yeast-infections-and-treat-pathogen-overgrowth-part-2-candida-and-more/ Blessings in your process!! It can be a long one, but if you continue to see improvement, you can be encouraged and know you’re heading in the right direction and not stagnating. 🙂
Ericka says
Thank you again for sharing your journey!
I just read your candida article and found it very informative.
I’m going to try Lauricidin since Interfase Plus has eggs which I tried a while back before Dr. Zeff told me not to eat eggs. Yep, caused a big fat flare!
I’m still trying to figure out if it’s a pathogen causing my symptoms or food sensitivities or both. I did the Candida diet strictly for months and it seemed put my body all out of whack, especially with blood sugar and thyroid issues. However, my morning spit has pretty much cleared up instead of being super thick along with no more bloating or gas like I had about a year ago.
Again, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together since there are definitely some still missing since my vagina and bladder gets hot after certain meals or if I haven’t eaten often enough.
I’m pretty much still doing the candida diet, but I do allow myself to eat all kinds of squash and some berries as my form of Carbs to help keep my blood sugar from dropping too low. I know you can’t eat fruit now, but did you eat squash during this part of your healing process? It seems like Carrots and Squash would be equivalent due to the carbs/sugars, but I’m sure everyone is different.
What about cashews? I’ve read many controversial opinions on cashews feeding pathogens as well.
Dr. Zeff just sent me a parasite medicine to try for a few weeks to see if that helps with my symptoms. Again, thank you for your advice and wisdom.
Xx
Megan Stevens says
No, I didn’t eat squash while regaining my gut equilibrium/killing off pathogen overgrowth. I would also stay away from cashews, personally. I stayed away from mushrooms, cheese, carb veggies etc. I played it safe, and it worked, although not everyone uses the low-carb approach. Berberine was a great pathogen killer that I got from Dr. Zeff. You’re welcome! 🙂
Ericka says
Thank you again!
I’ll ask Dr. Zeff about Berberine and stay away from cashews for awhile.
How long did you stay away from these foods?
Also, I saw on your article you recommend 2 weeks of rotating the herbs? Did you do this longer to get yours under control or just for the 2 weeks?
I can’t wait to get better so I can start making some of your recipes and come visit your cafe!
Xo
Megan Stevens says
Hi Ericka, sorry for the long delay in responding. We were out of town for a long holiday. To answer your questions, I stayed away from the above foods for about a year. But that’s not my advice for others; it’s just what worked for my body, and it may have been too long in regard to my thyroid health. I rotated herbs for many months. Dr. Zeff had me do berberine for 6 weeks, which is adequate for most.
WEZ WOS says
Hi I know this is a really old post but I was wondering how long you stayed on a low carb diet? Basically the diet my body can handle is low carb, no nuts, grains and no meat. Very restricted and I’m worried how long I can safely stay on it….
Megan Stevens says
I may have been low-carb for too long, which can be hard on the thyroid and adrenals. We did the GAPS Diet for 6+ years. It’s best to work with a functional medical doctor on your unique body, so you can have lab tests done and know the health of your organ function. Best wishes!
Joanne Nancy Greer-Sierpinski says
HI everyone I have digestive issues and stomach problems plus IBS and diverticulitis. So I’m taking L-Glutamine and yeterday I was at health food store and they recommended slippery elm powder and marshmellow root for my digestive issues and stomach and IBS. Dies this really help and what else will help with all the above.
WEZ WOS says
“Additionally, marshmallow actually engulfs undigested food particles that may be harmful to a leaky gut condition, as well as bacteria and dead cell tissues. It’s cleaning up, while it’s protecting and healing.”
Any idea if Slippery Elm also does this even at a lesser extent?
Megan Stevens says
Slippery Elm is like an internal poultice. 🙂 That’s how I like to think of it. It protects, soothes and allows gentle healing to happen while it coats a surface. As mentioned, it also fights inflammation and promotes a healthy microbiome. I hope that helps. It’s different in its roles than marshmallow root, but has similar and complimentary qualities.
WEZ WOS says
Thanks so much! It sounds like I need both, my gut is a hot mess 🙁
Megan Stevens says
You’re welcome. I’m so sorry. Hang in there and best wishes!
WEZ WOS says
Thank you so much! I was able to use the slippery elm tea last night and I was wondering what the consistency is supposed to be. The powder is from Starwest Botanicals. It didn’t have a slippery texture at all and I feel like I was just drinking regular liquid. On top of that, now that I’ve woken up, it feels like it’s just sitting in my gut, clogging me up and I barely had a BM this morning. I’m now worried it will block the absorption of my thyroid meds but I hope not! I grew up eating okra and was assuming it would be close to that mucilaginous consistency based on how people described it.
I stirred about 1 heaping teaspoon into about 8oz of hot water. Did I use too much water or not enough slippery elm? Maybe Marshmallow Root will be better for me. I’m also thinking of eating more okra instead. *sigh* it really is a process of trial and error.
Thanks for listening 🙂
sandra green says
Hello! I was just diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis yesterday and I have also had diverticulitis attacks in the most recent past. I’ve been taking 2 caps slippery elm 400 mg each before meals for some time now, but I would like to try taking marshmallow root caps (480 mg ea cap) also to see if it helps the IC symptoms. I’m not sure if I can take these together at the same time or if I need to take them alone, seperately. I realize they both require to be spaced at least 1 or 2 hours apart from any medicine or other supplements. I’d really appreciate your advice on how to go about taking them both. Thank you in advance!
Megan says
I would consider taking the marshmallow root before alternate meals to the slippery elm. Then you can track your symptoms and see if the herbs have different effects. You can take them together though; it will not limit their effects. 🙂 Blessings!
Robert Walker says
Is there any concern about absorption of vitamin/mineral supplements when taking either slippery elm or marshmallow?
Megan says
Please ask your doctor to be on the safe side, but from my research these supplements are foods themselves and safe to eat with other supplements.
Pat says
Hi Megan.Thanks very much for your detailed,helpful article.I
m not one to go to the local quacks here in the UK,they have a poor reputation.Theyve bodged treatments and refused to help me at times,so have not returned in 4yrs.I have been treating myself for the last 30+yrs,rather than use toxic pharmaceutikills which were prescribed by dodgy consultants,for serious injury-based problems I received,but have used the quacks for tests and some diagnosis.Even these became useless at times.People approach me with similar stories of their own issues with the same local Practice.I have developed an issue,which I will seek advice from another medical source if I can locate one,but before that I am going to see what I can achieve myself.
Due to poverty(along with millions of other Brits), and having to purchase natural meds not available on Big Pharma supplied NHS,I have had to scale back on some of the foods I consume.All healthy ones.I believe the exclusion of some of these due to poverty,has led to my lower gut developing an issue.I have had lower back pain for a few days and my aim is to improve this situation.I bought a bag of Marshmallow powder from local herbalists before googling the herb and arriving here.All it says on the packet is add 1/2 teaspoon in a little water,mix very thoroughly,twice a day.After looking at your article,it seems that I should have bought Slippery Elm too.
Only concern is,I seem to remember from many years ago that either or both of these herbs can prevent the absorption of nutrients,is this factually correct?
I
m male,slim-athletic,generally fit&healthy,active and knocking on sixty,so hoping a short course of these herbs may help me bounce back quickly,as my gut bio adjusts to the new restricted poor mans diet,but I have no idea when to take the two herbs.I see mention of adding to porridge,so will mixing with porridge oats be ok and can a larger amount than 1/2 teaspoon be tolerated by the gut and pass through easily….providing theres not some other underlying issue?m trying to provide as much info as I can.Sorry for the long message,but I
Kind regards,
Pat
Anita says
Hi Megan, Love love love your website. Especially this post. I have a question. I have sibo, and was wondering, because slippery elm is also a prebiotic, is it still safe for someone with sibo to take it at any point in time? Just a bit paranoid with bad bacteria in the small intestine eating it and possibly flourishing on it. With your experience, what do you think? I’d love to try, but am a bit scared… Is it only for preventative and/or for the healing stages of sibo?
Thanks a bunch for all that you do.
God bless,
Anita
zay says
hi I think I have the same condition did you ever figure out this question or other health protocols for sibo ?
Astrik says
From my experience for severe gastritis which I have, taking hcl and bitters irritate the inflamed lining even more
Slippery elm and marshmallow help but if there are bacteria in the upper stomach due to sibo, they start fermenting them making the “acid” reflux worse.
I don’t take any medications or antacids… haven’t found the solution yet… 18 years now, still trying 🙂
Debbie O says
Hello
I have been treating silent reflux with marshmallow root powder and it seems to be helping. I’ve tried slippery elm but it does not agree with me. It seems to cause constipation which is perplexing since it is suppose to help with constipation as well.
My questions…
I have read that, when taking marshmallow root powder, you should take it for four weeks, stop for one week, then resume taking it.
Why is it recommended to stop taking it for one week and is this information accurate.
Also, I am interested in aloe vera juice as a possible juice to combat silent reflux but am hesitant because of the limited research on its safety long term.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks
Deborah says
Is marshmellow suitable for someone with candida or a vaginal yeast infection? Does this contain sugar?
Megan says
Marshmallow root does not contain sugar. It is just one ingredient, a root that soothes digestion. It is generally recommended for those with candida at any stage in the healing process.
victoria says
Can you use both at the same time?
Megan says
Hi Victoria, yes! 🙂
Diana says
Is it advisable to take both Marshmallow and Slippery Elm for digestive issues?
Diana says
What do you think of tinctures? I prefer them over capsules or powders.
Kim McDonald says
What about marshmallow or slippery elm when you have congestion/sinus issues (mine most likely caused from acid reflux) I tried marshmallow root tea once and it was AMAZING help with constipation and I felt it soothing my entire digestive tract BUT wondered now with so much congestion how that would be? Thank you! p.s. I agree that trying HCL when you have an inflammed digestive system is not a good first step. I feel we need to heal the gut lining first then add in HCL if needed. I can tolerate bitters and ginger and a bit of ACV but can tell if I overdo it.
Satvinder says
Where I can find these
Megan says
Hi there, there are links in the post to both bulk herbs, which can be ordered.
kim says
as I read marshmallow root can stop other medicines from working, I’d love your thought on taking both marshmallow root AND slippery elm. my gut and intestines are really really sad at the moment! I’m wanting the double deal, but if marshmallow stops the slippery elm from working ???
Megan says
Hi Kim, slippery elm is not a medicine. Its texture is intact with m. root, and that’s what it mainly contributes. You could try them separately and together to see which you prefer.
Marisa says
Just wondering how Marshmallow root (MR) draws bacteria out of the urinary tract? Does marshmallow root get absorbed into the blood stream? For some reason I assumed it just lined the intestinal lining, which means it wouldn’t go anywhere near the urinary tract … but I suppose everything that goes into the gut gets absorbed into the body? Also, if it shouldn’t be taken with medicines, does that mean MR is able to block nutrients from being absorbed by the body?
Deb says
Question? My daughter takes meds in the evening, can she use this in the morning?
Megan says
Hi Deb, I can’t speak to your daughter’s situation, but if were me, that is a long time between, and I would feel comfortable about taking one in the morning and one at night.
Ruth says
Can I take Betaine HCL, Marshmallow root, and Slippery Elm together?
Thank you.
Megan says
Hi Ruth, the main thing with Betaine HCl is to take it with food, so it needs to be with a complete meal that includes protein. It is fine to also take marshmallow root and slippery elm, yes, as long as the meal is included.
CLC says
Hello. Late to this party! First, I understand you are not providing medical advice per se but I would like your thoughts. I am a recent rectal cancer survivor with a sassy new semicolon and LARS (lower anterior resection syndrome – many trips to the bathroom in a day, increased mucus, flatulence, urgency issues and certain foods and too much fiber can present problems). The medical community understands very little about LARS even though there are many of us with the issue (not just cancer survivors but anyone with a semicolon). Once we’ve had treatment they sort of let us fend for ourselves) and there is little research out there to draw from. I’m on a mission to help myself and others navigate the landscape of LARS and have better quality of life, thus my questions… I am now about 9 months out from reconnect surgery (had an ultra-low anterior resection with a temporary ileostomy then later a reconnect removing the ileostomy and now going to the bathroom like the rest of the world). If you know anything about LARS it can present certain challenges and I began taking Marshmallow root initially to thicken stools. Quite honestly I don’t know how much the Marshmallow root has helped but I figure it didn’t hurt either! Along with a minimal dose of Imodium, I have made progress. So my questions are: Should I continue to take the Marshmallow root and/or should I change it up and try the slippery elm? Don’t think I should take both as I am already loaded up on probiotics and other supplements. And, if the two perform similarly, which in your opinion is MOST beneficial? If there are medical professionals here who would like to weigh in that’s fine too! Thank you!
Megan says
Hi CLC, best wishes as you navigate this next chapter, good for you. I can’t say which would be better, but if you haven’t really had results with marshmallow root, it may be helpful to stop using it and try slippery elm instead. I’m sorry there isn’t more support for you and the LARS community.
CLC says
Thank you for your guidance!
Megan says
You’re welcome, happy to help!
Anne says
Hi there
I have hiatus hernia, chronic gastritis and acid reflux.
I’ve been on Omeprazole for years, and trying to wean myself off as I know it’s not good to be on it long term. Doctors just prescribe them like sweets.
Ive started taking slippery elm to assist in trying to lower the dose.
Lowering both slowly I’m now managing on one 10 mg Omeprazole in the morning, and 800mg capsule of slippery elm after my main meal early evening
Is it okay to take Slippery Elm long term as I go forward trying to come off the Omeprazole.
All I can find searching the internet is that is says take it for up to 8 weeks. Could I take it indefinitely ?? Surely safer than Omeprazole? . Thank you
Megan says
Hi Anne, good question. Slippery elm is actually too high in oxalates for long term use. For big picture getting better, I would point you to my doctor who has the best resources for getting well DIY style or through working with him. He’s Dr. Smith and found here: https://nutritiondetective.com/ Best wishes!
Ivy says
Hi Megan, thanks for the great information. Someone remarked above that they’ve greatly benefitted from following your blog. I can’t find a link to a blog page for you. Could you provide one here for me?
Megan says
Hi Ivy, you’re welcome, and happy to help. I think they just mean my website; that homepage is here: https://eatbeautiful.net/ The other option that perhaps you’re asking about is my weekly newsletter, which I send out each Sunday morning by email. If you mean that, you can either use the pop-up page (that pops up when you’re on the website) to sign up for it, or you can request I add you to it, and I can do that. So happy to have you here! 🙂
Ivy says
Thank you!
Megan says
You’re welcome!