May be helpful to relieve digestive discomfort and provide mucilage to soothe the digestive tract. The plant contains mucilage, a long chain of sugars (polysaccharides) that make a slippery substance when combined with water. This mucilage may be helpful to soothe the digestive system. Slippery elm is also rich in nutrients and is easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort.