Herbs and spices for pancreatitis

Anyone who has experienced inflammation of the pancreas should know which medicinal herbs and spices can be used for pancreatitis and which cannot.

Modern methods of treating this disease, which are aimed at relieving pain, combating inflammation and replacing missing pancreatic enzymes, can be supplemented by the use of medicinal plants that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation - that is, have a positive effect on the condition of this organ.

Herbs for pancreatitis

What do patients with chronic pancreatitis complain of? Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, poor appetite, indigestion and weight loss; general weakness and fatigue; abdominal pain radiating to the back. Glucose intolerance is also noted, since the inflamed pancreas may not produce enough insulin (which leads to the development of secondary diabetes).

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

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. To relieve severe pain that does not respond to conventional painkillers, only by prescription in a hospital setting - it is permissible to use some narcotic analgesics. But no one would even think of using morphine-containing poppy for pancreatitis (its cultivation is punishable under Article 310, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

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

There is statement No. 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 bile outflow, therefore, the use of choleretic agents, in particular medicinal plants, eliminates bile stagnation, 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 pancreatitis.

Statement #2: Choleretic agents (including herbs with a choleretic effect) are contraindicated for pancreatitis, since bile production cannot be activated. This point of view is supported by the fact 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, such stones are small and can pass without intervention. However, sometimes it is important to urgently remove the gallstone that causes pancreatitis. But choleretic herbal infusions are not used in these cases, since 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, bogbean, blue cornflower (flowers), dandelion (root), corn (stigmas), mountain arnica, tansy, chicory, medicinal verbena, and coriander. By the way, when large quantities of bile acids enter the large intestine, they attract intracellular fluid, stimulate peristalsis, which causes diarrhea.

There are many herbs whose choleretic action is softened 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 intestinal spasms: the same terpene compounds (including menthol) act on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract as muscle relaxants. However, frequent use of an 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 also requires precautions for pancreatitis due to its choleretic effect, which can dramatically worsen the condition of patients with an inflamed pancreas against the background of problems with the common bile duct. Herbalists believe that celandine relieves pain, helps remove toxins from the body and activates the immune system. But they warn: the alkaloids of this plant can cause side effects in the form of nausea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, cardiac arrhythmia, and CNS depression. [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Can milk thistle be used for pancreatitis? Despite the virtual absence of clinical studies and the contradictory nature of their results, many doctors continue to extrapolate the hepatoprotective properties of milk thistle (Carduus marianus), i.e. spotted milk thistle, to the pancreas, claiming that they improve its functions. While milk thistle is used to protect liver cells – in fatty hepatosis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, toxic damage to hepatocytes in 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 the inflammatory process are interconnected, antioxidants in medicinal plants (carotenoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.), which are capable of suppressing free radicals, help with inflammation of the pancreas.

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-leaved orchis, as well as sorrel root and erect cinquefoil help with diarrhea. Tea with dill or fennel seeds helps with flatulence and relieves intestinal spasms. And green tea with the addition of plantain leaves is a good remedy for detoxifying the pancreas. Read also - Teas for pancreatitis

Chamomile for pancreatitis

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) exhibits its main medicinal properties 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 proinflammatory cyclogenases), reduce swelling and the formation of intestinal gases, and relieve spasms. [ 6 ]

However, chamomile tea has a slight laxative effect, so it is not advisable to drink it if you have diarrhea. [ 7 ]

Calendula for pancreatitis

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties and is good at fighting bacterial and fungal infections. The inflorescences of this plant

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

Wormwood for pancreatitis

In the use of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) for 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 is again at work.

The active substances of wormwood include the sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activity. As experiments have shown, this terpene compound is able to reduce pancreatic edema, reduce the activity of alpha-amylase and lipase in serum and the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins, inhibiting apoptosis of pancreatic cells.

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

Dandelion for pancreatitis

The attitude of specialists 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 in case of gallstone pancreatitis, since it refers to choleretic plants. But, according to the results of recent studies, dandelion root extract can stimulate the secretion of insulin, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels: in chronic pancreatitis, the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin, often suffer.

Dandelion root contains a lot of vitamins A and K, which makes it a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has also been found that dandelion root decoction promotes the healing of damaged pancreatic tissue. [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ]

St. John's wort for pancreatitis

Despite the choleretic effect of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), which limits the use of this medicinal plant to patients with inflammation of the pancreas and choledocholithiasis, it is included in the list of herbs used for 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 pharmacologically active compound of the plant, hyperforin, not only has a pronounced sedative effect, but has also been shown to be able to protect pancreatic beta cells and prevent their death in type 1 diabetes. [ 15 ]

Burdock for pancreatitis

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

The mechanism of 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 burdock root juice for pancreatitis – thanks to its active components – helps strengthen the body’s immune system and improve overall metabolism. [ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Aloe for pancreatitis

Aloe juice taken orally for chronic pancreatitis helps reduce swelling of the pancreas and has an antibacterial and astringent effect on the mucous membrane 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 cause poisoning with the development of intestinal spasms and inflammation. [ 18 ], [ 19 ]

Biologically active compounds of the roots and rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Acanthopanax senticosus), which is an adaptogen plant, have a positive effect on the pancreas, improving the tolerance of its cells to hypoxia and counteracting oxidative stress. Extracts of ginseng roots (Panax notoginseng) and ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgo biloba) have a similar effect.

In traditional Eastern medicine, the root of rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), sickle-leaved bupleurum (Bupleurum falcatum), goldenseal or Canadian hydrastis (Hydrastis canadensis), skullcap (Scutellariae), and white peony (Paeonia officinalis) are used for chronic pancreatitis.

Herbs for pancreatitis that have an anti-inflammatory effect include: licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), sage (Salvia officinalis), fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), gentian (Gentiana), tribulus terrestris, horsetail (Equisetum arvense), red clover (Trifolium pratense).

Spices for pancreatitis

It is absolutely justified that a diet for inflammation of the pancreas prohibits hot spices that stimulate the secretory activity of the digestive organs (for example, celery, tarragon, mustard, black and cayenne pepper).

But some spices for chronic pancreatitis (outside of exacerbation) can be used, first of all, for medicinal purposes. So, along with dill and fennel seeds, the intensity of intestinal gas formation and bloating are reduced, helping to relieve spasms of the stomach and intestines, the fruits of common anise, star anise, cardamom and basil greens. Parsley acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

What is the basis for the recommendations to use spices such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) or turmeric (Curcuma longa)? Their antioxidant action.

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

Despite the almost half lower antioxidant potential of cinnamon, 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 ]

Curcumin suppresses inflammatory processes through a variety of mechanisms (not always understood). It has been proven that this polyphenol can increase serum antioxidant activity, absorb various forms of free radicals, and influence the activity of enzymes that neutralize free radicals. Moreover, curcumin itself absorbs peroxyl radicals, which makes it similar to tocopherol (vitamin E).

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

Ginger should not be used in cases of increased stomach acidity, in the presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys, as well as in cases of poor blood clotting and severe arterial hypotension.

Bay leaf for pancreatitis

Laurel (Laurus nobilis) contains essential oils, bitters 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-cineole, pinenes, limonene, geraniod, etc. [ 23 ]

There is no need to continue further, since the list of contraindications for the use of this spice, along with cardiac and vascular diseases, includes pancreatitis.