Slippery elm bark has soothing properties. These make it beneficial for easing some digestive discomforts. Its mucilaginous nature (a gel-like substance) forms a protective coating in the digestive tract. That coating supports digestive health by reducing irritation and protecting the sensitive lining of the gut. Slippery elm bark also acts as a prebiotic. In this role, it nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Finally, slippery elm bark has been used topically in traditional medicine. These uses may ease sore throat, cough and skin irritation, but there is limited scientific evidence to back these claims.