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Chicory for pancreatitis

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Pancreatitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease affecting the pancreas. It occurs in approximately 1-2% of patients who are admitted to the hospital with an inaccurate diagnosis and complaints of acute abdomen. There are a wide variety of reasons that can provoke pancreatitis. These include, first of all, poor nutrition, violation of the drinking regime, taking certain medications, and long-term antibiotic treatment. One of the simple modern treatments is chicory for pancreatitis.

It is quite easy to recognize pancreatitis. The clinical picture is very specific and it is quite difficult to confuse it with the symptoms of other diseases. In addition, the clinic is very variable and varies widely from mild attacks to severe inflammation and necrosis, which can progress to death. Attacks are accompanied by painful sensations, minor attacks. Pain develops mainly in the epigastric region, as well as on the left under the ribs. Most often, pancreatitis is indicated by such symptoms as severe attacks of severe pain, strong intensity, which are accompanied by spasm and radiate to the hypochondrium. There are often cases in which the pain radiates to the back, spreads throughout the abdomen. The pain significantly increases after drinking alcohol, coffee, heavy food, marinals. The pathology is also accompanied by attacks, hyperamylase.

The essence of pancreatitis treatment is that the patient is urgently hospitalized. There, specialized treatment is carried out. Often, this is surgical treatment, which is carried out according to the acute abdomen type. If it is possible to do without surgery, conservative treatment is carried out. For this, a gentle diet, restrictions in food and drinks are necessarily used. This is the main condition for successful treatment. After this, you can move on to drug therapy, the essence of which is reduced to suction of gastric juice and the use of drugs that remove it to the outside, deactivate enzymes. To reduce the secretion of gastric and pancreatic juice, it is necessary to prescribe anticholinergics. Basically, sodium sulfate is used. In the presence of spasms, antispasmodics are prescribed, which relieve spasms. With excessive synthesis of juice and pancreatic enzymes, it is removed by inserting a thin gastric tube. If severe pain occurs, painkillers and analgesics are prescribed. Sometimes intravenous, intramuscular, paravertebral injections are used. In severe conditions, a person needs plasma and plasma substitutes.

It is important to monitor blood counts.

Drinks for pancreatitis

There are quite a few drinks that can be used for pancreatitis.

  • Recipe No. 1.

Mix equal parts of ground chicory, lily of the valley and burdock, pour boiling water (200-250 ml), leave for at least an hour, drink throughout the day. You can add honey or sugar to taste.

  • Recipe No. 2.

Brew chicory and coltsfoot leaves like tea. Drink throughout the day in unlimited quantities. You can add sugar and honey to taste.

  • Recipe No. 3.

Take a tablespoon of chicory and dandelion roots, pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave for about 30 minutes. Drink during the day. The next day, you need to make a new decoction. The course of treatment is 10 days.

  • Recipe No. 4.

Take 2 tablespoons of chicory, comfrey roots, and male fern rhizomes. Pour cold water over it and bring to a boil. After the decoction has boiled, simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to a warm state. Drink throughout the day. Up to 1 liter per day is possible.

  • Recipe No. 5.

Chicory, shepherd's purse grass, primrose leaves, pour a glass of warm water, put on low heat or in a water bath. Remove without bringing to a boil. Infuse for 1-2 hours, drink 50 ml every hour. The course of treatment is from 10 days

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Can you drink instant chicory if you have pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis can be a complication of other diseases of the digestive tract. The duct expands, its properties gradually change. Often there is a rupture of the duct under the pressure of bile, or its inflammation and the development of stagnation and an infectious process at the site of the lesion. It is also worth noting that the secret contains proteolytic enzymes, which should normally break down food. But with stagnation of enzymes in the bladder, the process of erosion of the duct walls begins, followed by the formation of erosions and ulcers. Also, against the background of all this, bleeding may develop, acute pain, bleeding may appear.

The condition in which enzymes are activated is especially dangerous, which is done under the influence of certain types of food. Therefore, with pancreatitis, it is so important to adhere to the correct diet and nutrition. Any chicory normalizes enzymatic activity, relieves inflammation, narrows the duct, and tones. Therefore, even ordinary instant chicory bought in a store can be drunk with pancreatitis.

Chicory for pancreatitis and cholecystitis

It has anti-inflammatory, choleretic and hemostatic effects, stimulates appetite. It is used for diseases of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, kidneys. It is effective for vitamin deficiency, impaired proteolytic enzyme activity, stomach diseases, pleurisy, tuberculosis, rheumatism. It can be used not only as a decoction or infusion, but also drunk as tea, and dried chicory stems can be sucked for severe pain attacks.

In addition, there are a number of proven recipes that have proven themselves to be effective in treating pancreatitis and cholecystitis. All of them contain chicory.

  • Recipe No. 1.

Add a tablespoon of chicory and birch buds to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 3-4 days in a dark place. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

  • Recipe No. 2.

To prepare the balm, take a tablespoon of lingonberry leaves and ground chicory. Infuse all this for at least 3-4 days, drink a tablespoon per day to prevent exacerbations of chronic and acute pancreatitis.

  • Recipe No. 3.

Take chicory and birch buds in a ratio of 2:1, pour 500 ml of alcohol. Infuse in a dark place for 1-2 days. Drink a third of a glass per day 10 days after the body has fully recovered and after the end of the course of treatment. Helps to restore the body and prevent relapses.

  • Recipe No. 4.

Vodka or pure alcohol is used as a base. Then about a tablespoon of chicory and birch buds are added. Mix, then set aside and allowed to steep. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 times a day to treat and prevent pancreatitis and gallstone disease.

  • Recipe No. 5.

Add a tablespoon of lingonberry leaves and chicory powder to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 2-3 days. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

Chicory for gastritis and pancreatitis

Also, one of the common causes of pancreatitis is gallbladder obstruction due to urolithiasis, which occurs in about 70% of cases. But there is also other information that is somewhat different from the common view. For example, there is an assumption that only reflux occurs, in which a reverse flow occurs, trypsin is activated by enterokinase, and the enzyme already acquires lytic properties, as a result of which it can dissolve (lyse) the walls of the duct. This leads to ulcerative processes and inflammation. Such a process can be provoked by quite a few factors that are considered risk factors or trigger mechanisms (alcohol intoxication, or exposure to certain medications, narcotic substances). This also includes inflammation of the digestive tract, concomitant pathologies, overeating, poor nutrition (consumption of excessive amounts of smoked foods).

Pancreatitis can be a consequence of exacerbations and diseases, for example, exacerbation of cholelithiasis, a consequence of poisoning. It is often a concomitant pathology with hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, and diseases of the duodenum. Sometimes it can be a consequence of surgery, postoperative trauma. A certain role is also played by genetic predisposition to the development of pathology.

Chicory can also be used in this case. In gastritis, it relieves pain. In pancreatitis, it acts by eliminating etiological factors: it eliminates gallbladder congestion, prevents reflux, and protects the walls from lytic properties.

Chicory for chronic pancreatitis

Let's look at the recipes.

  • Recipe No. 1.

Add a tablespoon of chicory rhizomes of snakeweed to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 3-4 days in a dark place. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

  • Recipe No. 2.

To prepare the balm, take a tablespoon of leaves of the rhizomes with roots of elecampane high and chicory powder. All this is infused for at least 3-4 days, drink a tablespoon per day to prevent exacerbations of chronic and acute pancreatitis.

  • Recipe No. 3.

Take chicory and oak bark in a ratio of 3:2, pour 500 ml of alcohol. Infuse in a dark place for 1-2 days. Drink a third of a glass per day.

  • Recipe No. 4.

Use vodka or pure alcohol as a base. Then add about a tablespoon of chicory and viburnum bark. Mix, then set aside and let it brew. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

  • Recipe No. 5.

Add a tablespoon of alder buckthorn bark to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 2-3 days. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

Chicory for exacerbation of pancreatitis

Sometimes exacerbation of pancreatitis is a consequence of metabolic disorders in the body. Chicory normalizes metabolism. It is often considered a complication of hyperlipidemia. Improper functioning of the hormonal system and mechanisms of enzymatic regulation can also lead to premature activation of pancreatic enzymes, as a result of which premature release of juice leads to chemical burns of the duct. A similar picture is observed in all people with hormonal imbalances, tension. It can develop during pregnancy, postmenopause, and occurs in adolescents due to age-related and degenerative changes in hormonal levels. Chicory also corrects these properties, which explains its high efficiency in the treatment of exacerbated pancreatitis.

With classic pancreatitis, an attack of pain develops quickly and progresses. The pain increases quite quickly, becomes paroxysmal, and radiates. Chicory quickly relieves pain. An attack of pancreatitis may be accompanied by excruciating vomiting and collapse. Abdominal distension, soreness and tension, and cyanosis are observed. The condition may worsen, accompanied by inflammation and necrosis. Suffocation, kidney and liver pathologies, and hemorrhagic lesions appear. Sometimes, blue or brown spots appear on the side. To prevent these symptoms, it is recommended to regularly take chicory.

Chicory can also be recommended after an attack to eliminate its consequences and prevent complications. After an attack of pain, chills appear. The pulse can decrease, up to critical values. Often, this condition is accompanied by constipation and flatulence. Later, jaundice occurs as one of the consequences of liver damage. Jaundice also occurs because the bile duct is blocked by edematous tissue or a stone.

Regular intake of chicory (for 28 days or more) helps to normalize the blood composition and the main clinical, biochemical indicators. Accompanying symptoms of pancreatitis are the appearance of neutrophilic leukocytosis and a significant increase in the ESR level. During the biochemical study, a significant increase in the amylase level can be detected. These indicators increase approximately 10-30 times.

The only case when chicory cannot help, but can only partially alleviate the condition, relieve pain, swelling, is a severe condition, in which an increase in leukocytes and ESR is detected both in urine and in human blood. Normalization or even a decrease to below-normal levels of amylase may indicate that the pancreas has undergone necrotic lesions. In combination with ultrasound, echography, heterogeneity and swelling are detected.

Chicory powder for pancreatitis

Almost always, pancreatitis occurs together with DIC syndrome, which is a disseminated vascular coagulation syndrome. Often, premature activation of enzymes leads to autolysis in the body, when enzymes begin to lyse the cells and tissues of the body itself. There have also been cases in which pancreatitis developed against the background of excessive autoimmune aggression, vascular and tissue pathology, and vascular tone disorders. As practice shows, when using chicory powder to treat pancreatitis, the risk of vascular pathologies and autolysis is sharply reduced. This is due to the fact that chicory increases the elasticity of blood vessels, maintains optimal pressure, and also maintains a normal level of enzymatic activity.

It is observed during therapy with antibiotics, steroids, and other hormones, after chemotherapy. It can be a consequence of some infectious diseases (bacterial, viral genesis). It often acts as a concomitant condition. In this case, the benefit of chicory is that it corrects the microflora. Eliminates dysbacteriosis.

As for the pathological picture, distinctive features can be identified: swelling of the epithelial tissue, flabbiness, foci of the inflammatory process are formed. Phlegmon and thrombophlebitis often develop as complications. To prevent these phenomena, it is necessary to drink chicory.

How to drink chicory for pancreatitis?

Chicory is used to treat pancreatitis and cholelithiasis. It is easiest to use in the form of a ready-made powder (drink), which is sold in stores. It completely dissolves in water. You can also use plant materials prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy. It is recommended to use in the form of decoctions and infusions. At the initial stages of treatment, it is recommended to drink every hour, after three days, they begin to drink chicory every three hours, then switch to a free regimen, observing the daily dosage. You can also try recipes that include chicory.

  • Recipe No. 1.

Add a tablespoon of chicory rhizomes of erect cinquefoil to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 3-4 days in a dark place. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

  • Recipe No. 2.

To prepare the balm, take a tablespoon of male fern and ground chicory. Leave it for at least 3-4 days, drink a tablespoon a day to prevent exacerbations.

  • Recipe No. 3.

Take chicory and pine buds in a ratio of 2:1, pour 500 ml of alcohol. Infuse in a dark place for 1-2 days. Drink a tablespoon per day.

  • Recipe No. 4.

Use vodka or pure alcohol as a base. Then add about a tablespoon of chicory and bearberry leaves. Mix, then set aside and let it brew. Drink a tablespoon 3-5 times a day.

  • Recipe No. 5.

Add a tablespoon of poplar buds and chicory powder to regular alcohol (500 ml). Infuse for 2-3 days. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

  • Recipe No. 6.

Mix equal parts of Adonis vernalis herb and ground chicory, pour boiling water (200-250 ml), leave for at least an hour, drink throughout the day. You can add honey or sugar to taste.

Recipe No. 7.

Brew chicory and marsh wild rosemary leaves like tea. Drink throughout the day in unlimited quantities. You can add sugar and honey to taste.

  • Recipe No. 8.

Take a tablespoon of chicory and birch leaves, pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave for about 30 minutes. Drink during the day. The next day, you need to make a new decoction. The course of treatment is 10 days.

  • Recipe No. 9.

Take 2 tablespoons of chicory and wild pansy. Pour cold water over it and bring to a boil. After the decoction has boiled, simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to a warm state. Drink throughout the day. Up to 1 liter per day is possible.

  • Recipe No. 10.

Flowers and fruits of red hawthorn + chicory to taste are poured with a glass of warm water, put on low heat or a water bath. Remove without bringing to a boil. Infuse for 1-2 hours, drink 50 ml every hour. The course of treatment is from 10 days.

How much instant chicory can you drink per day?

The answer to the question of how much instant chicory can be drunk per day depends on the person's condition. For standard acute and subacute pancreatitis, the drink is prepared at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per 250-300 ml of water. Up to 4 such cups can be consumed per day. The amount of chicory should be limited if attacks become more frequent (up to 2 cups per day). With chronic pancreatitis, everything is strictly individual, diagnostics are required. Chicory is contraindicated before and after operations.

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Benefits and harms of chicory

Chicory helps control the pathogenetic condition. It also acts as a component that has antibacterial properties, stabilizes the state of enzymes, maintains an optimal level of enzymatic activity. It acts as a means of preventing suppuration of the pancreas. It is recommended to use chicory only when the condition stabilizes.

Additionally, it has the ability to normalize metabolic processes, stimulates digestion and absorption of food. Chicory has a positive effect on the female hormonal system. Thus, it is used for concomitant female diseases, uterine bleeding, cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, kidney and liver diseases. Eczema, gum inflammation, and some skin diseases are also indications for its use. It should be taken into account that chicory cannot always be drunk during pregnancy (you need to consult a doctor). Contraindications may also include a tendency to bleeding, high blood pressure. It is useful for strengthening the heart muscle, for neurasthenia, has an antipyretic and thirst-quenching effect, prevents diarrhea. Eliminates constipation. It is recommended for rheumatism, fever, eye diseases, and oral cavity.

Benefits of chicory for the pancreas

It has a positive effect on both the structural and functional state of the pancreas. Chicory brings undoubted benefits to the body as a whole, normalizing metabolism, stimulating appetite, normalizing enzymatic activity, digestive processes. It helps cleanse the body.

Prevention of pancreatitis consists of following a hygienic and nutritional regimen, and maintaining a diet. You should not drink alcohol, abuse strong tea and coffee. Chicory and green tea are effective preventive measures. In case of gallstone disease, regular consumption of chicory and green tea is also required. If necessary, cholecystectomy should be performed in a timely manner.

Contraindications

If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery may be required. In this case, chicory, tea, coffee and any other drinks are completely canceled. It is necessary to consult about further treatment and nutrition. In this case, the decision on the advisability of using chicory is made by a doctor. Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is accompanied by hemorrhagic effusion, areas of hemorrhage, areas of necrosis and total softening, which is also a contraindication to taking chicory.

Of course, chicory is contraindicated in cases where the condition is severe and may end in death. Contraindicated in concomitant renal and hepatic insufficiency. Fatal outcome is caused by an inflammatory reaction, encapsulation, necrosis, suppuration, calcification of the gland. Often the disease is accompanied by relapses or becomes chronic. Complete recovery occurs in about a third of patients. For many, the consequence is diabetes mellitus, which subsequently remains with the person for the rest of his life. In this case, it is better to refrain from taking chicory.

Chicory is also not recommended when there is vascular and muscular tension, which is often considered a protective reaction of the body. According to clinical tests, a significant level of amylase is diagnosed.

It is also important to know the patient's medical history. For example, erosive forms of gastritis may indicate that chicory may be contraindicated.

It is also important to rule out poisoning, infectious diseases, vomiting, diarrhea and acute intestinal infection, for example, salmonellosis, dysentery, leishmaniasis, since these conditions often act as contraindications to the use of chicory.

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Risks and possible complications

If gastric lavage was performed, chicory is started to be drunk approximately on the 7-10th day. Thus, in the first three days after the end of lavage, only clean water is drunk. Then juices are added in small quantities, gradually increasing the amount of juice. Then chicory is added approximately on the 6-7th day. The amount of chicory per day is increased slowly.

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What can replace chicory for pancreatitis?

You can use folk recipes. For example, those presented below.

  • Recipe No. 1.

Mix equal parts of Adonis vernalis herb, lingonberry leaves and ground chicory, pour boiling water (200-250 ml), leave for at least an hour, drink throughout the day. You can add honey or sugar to taste.

  • Recipe No. 2.

Chicory and angelica roots are brewed as tea. Drink throughout the day in unlimited quantities. Sugar and honey can be added to taste.

  • Recipe No. 3.

Take a tablespoon of chicory and oak bark, pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave for about 30 minutes. Drink during the day. The next day, you need to make a new decoction. The course of treatment is 10 days.

  • Recipe No. 4.

Take 2 tablespoons of chicory, common viburnum bark, common asarum leaves and European nettle. Pour cold water over it and bring to a boil. After the decoction has boiled, boil for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to a warm state. Drink throughout the day. Up to 1 liter per day is possible.

  • Recipe No. 5.

Chicory, alder buckthorn bark, pour a glass of warm water, put on low heat or a water bath. Remove without bringing to a boil. Infuse for 1-2 hours, drink 50 ml every hour. The course of treatment is from 10 days.

Green tea for pancreatitis

The closest analogue, which has similar properties, is green tea. But it should be taken into account that, compared to chicory, it creates an increased load on the kidneys, so it cannot be recommended for the treatment of patients suffering from kidney and urinary tract diseases. If you do not know what to replace chicory with for pancreatitis, it is better to ask your doctor or pharmacist about it.

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