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Herbs and spices for pancreatitis

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 24.05.2022
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It is useful for everyone who has encountered inflammation of the pancreas to know which herbs and spices for pancreatitis can and cannot be used.

Modern methods of treating this disease, which are aimed at relieving pain, fighting inflammation and replacing the missing pancreatic enzymes, can be supplemented by the use of medicinal plants that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation - that is, positively affect the state of this organ.

Herbs for pancreatitis

What do patients with chronic pancreatitis complain about  ? For nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, for poor appetite, indigestion and weight loss; on general weakness and fatigue; for abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Glucose intolerance is also noted, since the inflamed pancreas may not produce enough insulin (leading to the development of secondary diabetes).

In addition to taking enzyme preparations that support the digestive process, the  treatment of chronic pancreatitis  includes the use of drugs that inhibit the production of acid in the stomach and the duodenal hormone secretin - to reduce pancreatic secretion, that is, to provide its damaged cells with a functional unload mode.

Diuretics are used to relieve swelling of the gland. And  pain in pancreatitis , which almost relentlessly haunts 48-74% of patients, is relieved by myotropic antispasmodics or direct analgesics. For the relief of severe pain that is not amenable to conventional painkillers, only as directed in a hospital setting, it is allowed to use some narcotic analgesics. But it would never even occur to anyone to use the sleeping pill containing morphine in pancreatitis (its cultivation is punishable under Art. 310, part 1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

In fact, it is not so easy to deal with the issue of using medicinal plants for pancreatitis - which ones are possible and which ones are not. And now you will understand why.

There is a statement number 1: choleretic (choleretic) drugs are part of the complex treatment of pancreatitis. Very often, pancreatitis develops in the presence of stones in the gallbladder - due to poor outflow of bile, so the use of choleretic agents, in particular medicinal plants, eliminates  bile stasis , reduces the load on the pancreas and improves digestion.

The objection to this opinion is based on the fact that any choleretic agents - both choleretics and cholekinetics - are contraindicated in the presence of stones in the gallbladder or ducts, obstruction of the bile ducts, as well as in acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of chronic.

Statement No. 2: choleretic agents (including herbs with a choleretic effect) are contraindicated in pancreatitis, since bile production cannot be activated. In support of this point of view, the fact is given that inflammation of the pancreas often develops... Due to the presence of  stones in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis) . In this case, gallstone pancreatitis is diagnosed. Most often, these stones are small and can pass without intervention. However, it is sometimes important to urgently remove the gallstone causing pancreatitis. But choleretic herbal preparations in these cases are not used, as they can lead to an exacerbation of not only gallstone pancreatitis, but also inflammation of a different etiology.

Herbs with a predominantly choleretic effect include: sandy immortelle, naked hernia, three-leaf watch, blue cornflower (flowers), dandelion (root), corn (stigmas), mountain arnica, tansy, chicory, verbena officinalis, sowing gut (coriander). By the way, when large amounts of bile acids enter the colon, they attract intracellular fluid, stimulate peristalsis, which causes diarrhea.

There are many herbs whose choleretic action is mitigated by a combination of other properties. For example, Mentha piperita - peppermint should not be used for pancreatitis (since the monoterpenes of the essential oil contained in its leaves stimulate the outflow of bile), but, on the other hand, mint helps to soothe abdominal pain and relieves spasms in the intestines: the same terpene compounds (including menthol) act on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract as muscle relaxants. However, frequent infusion of the leaves of this plant can lead to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter with the appearance of heartburn and the development of reflux. [1]

Celandine in pancreatitis also requires caution due to the choleretic effect, which can dramatically worsen the condition of patients with an inflamed pancreas against the background of common bile duct problems. Herbalists believe that celandine relieves pain, helps to eliminate toxins from the body and activates the immune system. But at the same time, they warn: the alkaloids of this plant can cause side effects in the form of nausea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, cardiac arrhythmias, CNS depression. [2], [3]

Can milk thistle be used for pancreatitis? Despite the practical absence of clinical studies and the inconsistency of their results, many physicians continue to extrapolate the hepatoprotective properties of the fruits of milk thistle (Carduus marianus), that is, milk thistle, to the pancreas, claiming that they improve its functions. While milk thistle is used to protect liver cells - with fatty hepatosis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, toxic damage to hepatocytes in case of poisoning. The plant can provoke nausea, vomiting, increased gas formation in the intestines and diarrhea.  [4], [5]

And yet, what herbs can be used for pancreatitis?

Antioxidant herbs for chronic pancreatitis

Since cellular peroxidation and inflammation are interrelated, herbal antioxidants (carotenoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) that can suppress free radicals help with pancreatic inflammation.

In addition, some herbs for pancreatitis can be used to reduce the intensity of symptoms such as nausea, belching, bloating, and diarrhea. For example, orchis and two-leafed love, as well as sorrel root and cinquefoil erect, help with diarrhea. Tea with fruits (seeds) of dill or fennel helps with flatulence and relieves intestinal spasms. And green tea with the addition of plantain leaves is a good tool for detoxifying the pancreas. See also -  Teas for pancreatitis

Chamomile for pancreatitis

Pharmacy chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) exhibits its main medicinal qualities due to its phenolic flavone apigenin and its derivatives in the form of monoglycosides: they reduce the activity of pancreatic alpha-amylase, inhibit the inflammatory process (inhibiting pro-inflammatory cycloogenases), reduce edema and the formation of intestinal gases, and relieve spasms. [6]

But at the same time, chamomile tea has a slight laxative effect, so it is undesirable to use it with diarrhea. [7]

Calendula for pancreatitis

Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis) has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for bacterial and fungal infections. In the inflorescences of this plant

A large number of flavonoids that promote the regeneration of damaged tissues. Calendula is believed to have a positive effect on the immune system, as its active compounds are plant-based antioxidants. [8].  [9]. [10]

Wormwood with pancreatitis

In the use of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in chronic pancreatitis, which increases the secretory activity of the digestive glands and enhances the secretion of bile, the principle of combining the mechanisms of action of medicinal plants again works.

Artemisinin sesquiterpene lactone, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activity, is a part of the active substances of wormwood. Experiments have shown that this terpene compound is able to reduce pancreatic edema, reduce serum alpha-amylase and lipase activity and the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins, inhibiting pancreatic cell apoptosis.

In addition, taking a chilled infusion of wormwood will improve the breakdown of fats in the liver. [11]

Dandelion for pancreatitis

The attitude of experts to the use of dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) in the treatment of inflammation of the pancreas can be ambiguous. It is clear that it is excluded from gallstone pancreatitis, as it refers to choleretic plants. But, according to recent research, dandelion root extract can stimulate the release of insulin, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels: pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin are often affected in chronic pancreatitis.

Dandelion root is high in vitamins A and K, making it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also turned out that a decoction of dandelion root promotes the healing of damaged pancreatic tissues. [12].  [13]. [14]

St. John's wort with pancreatitis

Despite the choleretic effect of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), which limits the use of this medicinal plant in patients with inflammation of the pancreas and choledocholithiasis, it is included in the list of herbs used in pancreatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Although St. John's wort is usually recommended as an additional remedy for problems with the gallbladder (cholecystitis), bile ducts (with their dyskinesia) and hypoacid gastritis.

The plant's pharmacologically active compound, hyperforin, not only has a pronounced sedative effect, but has also been found to be able to protect pancreatic beta cells and prevent their death in type 1 diabetes. [15]

Burdock large with pancreatitis

Active compounds found in burdock roots (Arctium lappa) are tannins, lignans, triterpenes, aromatic unsaturated carboxylic acids, glycosides, and phytosterols. A decoction of burdock root acts as a diuretic and choleretic agent.

The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of this plant is the activation of antioxidant enzymes and the removal of free radicals, as well as the suppression of the expression of the main mediators of inflammatory reactions - pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

And the burdock juice prepared from the root for pancreatitis - thanks to the active ingredients - helps to strengthen the body's immune system and improve overall metabolism. [16], [17]

Aloe for pancreatitis

Aloe juice, taken orally in chronic pancreatitis, helps to reduce pancreatic edema and has an antibacterial and astringent effect on the mucosa of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

However, it should be borne in mind that the type of anthraquinone contained in aloe juice (1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl or emolin is a very strong laxative. In addition, aloe juice can be poisoned with the development of intestinal spasms and inflammation.  [18], [19]

Biologically active compounds of the roots and rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Acanthopanax senticosus), which belongs to adaptogen plants, have a positive effect on the pancreas, improving the tolerance of its cells to hypoxia and counteracting oxidative stress. Ginseng root extracts (Panax notoginseng) and Ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgo biloba) have a similar effect.

In traditional oriental medicine, chronic pancreatitis is treated with rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum), sickle-shaped (Bupleurum falcatum), goldenseal or Canadian hydratis (Hydrastis canadensis), skullcap (Scutellariae), white peony (Paeonia officinalis).

Anti-inflammatory herbs for pancreatitis include: licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), sage (Salvia officinalis), willowherb or fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), gentian (Gentiana), creeping tribulus (Tribulus terrestris), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), red clover (Trifolium pratense).

Spices for pancreatitis

Absolutely justified  diet for inflammation of the pancreas  prohibits spicy spices that stimulate the secretory activity of the digestive system (for example, celery, tarragon, mustard, black and cayenne pepper).

But some spices in chronic pancreatitis (without exacerbation) can be used, first of all, for medicinal purposes. So, along with dill and fennel seeds, they reduce the intensity of intestinal gas formation and reduce bloating, helping to relieve spasms of the stomach and intestines, the fruits of ordinary anise, star anise (star anise), cardamom and basil greens. Parsley acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

What is the basis for recommending spices such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) or turmeric (Curcuma longa)? On their antioxidant activity.

Cinnamon for pancreatitis is used in Chinese traditional herbal medicine as a decoction of Guichi. The bark of the cinnamon tree contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties; its essential oils can reduce oxidative stress by protecting pancreatic cells from apoptosis. [20]

Despite almost half the antioxidant potential that cinnamon has, turmeric also helps reduce inflammation in pancreatitis, which is associated with its main active phenolic compounds - curcuminoids: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdimethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is the most active of them, which also has a choleretic effect. [21]

By many different mechanisms (not always understood), curcumin suppresses inflammation. It has been proven that this polyphenol can increase the serum activity of antioxidants, absorb various forms of free radicals, and influence the activity of enzymes that neutralize free radicals. Moreover, curcumin itself absorbs peroxyl radicals, which equates it to tocopherol (vitamin E).

Ginger root also contains curcumin, since it and turmeric are members of the same botanical family. Using ginger for pancreatitis can be an unfortunate solution, since it increases the secretion of not only the salivary glands, but also the gastric ones. Frequent and excessive use of the same tea with ginger root can exacerbate chronic pancreatitis of their remission stage. Although, of course, Zingiber officinale is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that helps with flatulence and gastrointestinal spasms. [22]

You can not use ginger with increased acidity of the stomach, in the presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys, as well as with poor blood clotting and severe arterial hypotension.

Bay leaf for pancreatitis

Laurel noble (Laurus nobilis) contains essential oils, bitterness and tannins (phenolic origin), due to which it stimulates appetite and gastric secretion. And almost three dozen compounds have been identified in the essential oil, including: 1,8-cineol, pinenes, limonene, geraniod, etc. [23]

Further, you can not continue, since pancreatitis is indicated in the lists of contraindications for the use of this spice - along with cardiological and vascular diseases.

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