What are some medical uses for slippery elm?

Slippery elm is used to treat sore throats and support the secretion of mucous in the gastrointestinal tract, according to WebMD. People also use slippery elm to relieve bladder and urinary tract infections, but there is not enough evidence to show that these treatments are effective.

People add slippery elm to lozenges for sore throat or cough, notes WebMD. Some people take slippery elm with other herbs such as licorice root and oat bran to treat irritable bowel syndrome. This concoction appears to ease stomach pain and increase the motility of the bowel. When taken with bilberry, cinnamon and agrimony, slippery elm seems to lessen bloating, gas and stomach pain.