Herbs and spices for pancreatitis

Everyone who has faced inflammation of the pancreas, it is useful to know which medicinal herbs and spices in pancreatitis can be used, and which can not.

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

Herbs for pancreatitis

What do patients with chronic pancreatitis complain of? Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, poor appetite, digestive upset and weight loss, general weakness and fatigue, backache and abdominal pain. Glucose intolerance is also noted, as the inflamed pancreas may not produce enough insulin (leading to secondary diabetes).

In addition to taking enzyme drugs 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 mode of functional unloading.

Diuretics are used to relieve swelling of the gland. And pain in pancreatitis, which almost relentlessly pursues 48-74% of patients, relieve myotropic antispasmodics or direct analgesics. To control severe pain, which is not amenable to conventional analgesics, only by appointment in hospital conditions - it is allowed to use some narcotic analgesics. But no one will even think of using morphine-containing sleeping poppy for pancreatitis (its cultivation is punishable under Art. 310, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

In fact, to understand the question of the use of medicinal plants in pancreatitis - which can and which can not - is not so easy. And now you will understand why.

There is statement #1: choleretic (choleretic) drugs are part of the complex treatment of pancreatitis. Very often pancreatitis develops in the presence of gallstones - due to poor bile outflow, so 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 concrements in the gallbladder or ducts, bile duct obstruction, as well as in acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Assertion No. 2: choleretic remedies (including herbs with choleretic effect) are contraindicated in pancreatitis, because it is impossible to activate bile production. In support of this point of view is the fact that inflammation of the pancreas often develops... Due to the presence of stones of the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis). In this case, biliary pancreatitis is diagnosed. Most often such stones are small and can come out without intervention. However, sometimes it is important to urgently remove the gallstone causing pancreatitis. But choleretic herbal collections in these cases are not used, as they can lead to exacerbation of not only gallstone pancreatitis, but also inflammation of other etiologies.

Herbs with a predominantly choleretic effect include: immortelle sandy, hernia naked, three-leaved vahta, cornflower blue (flowers), dandelion (root), corn (stigmas), mountain arnica, pyzhma, chicory, medicinal verbena, sow's tartar (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 effect is mitigated by a combination of other properties. For example, Mentha piperita - peppermint in pancreatitis should not be used (because the monoterpenes contained in its leaves of essential oil stimulate the outflow of bile), but, on the other hand, mint helps soothe abdominal pain and relieves spasms in the intestines: the same terpene compounds (including menthol) act on the smooth muscles of the GI tract as myorelaxants. However, frequent intake of the leaves of this plant can lead to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter with heartburn and reflux. [1]

Celandine in pancreatitis also requires caution because of the choleretic effect, which can sharply worsen the condition of patients with inflamed pancreas against the background of problems of the common bile duct. Phytotherapists believe that celandine relieves pain, promotes the removal of toxins from the body and activates the immune system. But they warn: alkaloids of this plant can cause side effects in the form of nausea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, cardiac arrhythmia, CNS depression. [2], [3]

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

Still, what herbs can be used for pancreatitis?

Antioxidant herbs for chronic pancreatitis

Since peroxidation in cells and the inflammatory process are interrelated, antioxidants in medicinal plants (carotenoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) that can suppress free radicals are helpful in pancreatic inflammation.

In addition, some herbs for pancreatitis can be used to reduce the intensity of symptoms such as nausea, belching, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. For example, jatryshniki and lubka biloba, as well as the root of sorrel and lapchatka erectifolia 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 - a good remedy for detoxification of the pancreas. Read also - Teas for pancreatitis

Chamomile for pancreatitis

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

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

Calendula for pancreatitis

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties and is good against bacterial and fungal infection. The inflorescences of this plant contain

A large amount of flavonoids, which promote 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 Artemisia absinthium (Artemisia absinthium) in chronic pancreatitis, which increases the secretory activity of digestive glands and enhances the release of bile, again works the principle of combining the mechanisms of action of medicinal plants.

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, decrease 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 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 gallstone pancreatitis, as it belongs to choleretic plants. But according to recent studies, dandelion root extract can stimulate the release of insulin, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels: in chronic pancreatitis, insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are often affected.

Dandelion root is high in vitamins A and K, making it a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Dandelion root decoction has also been found to promote 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 its use to patients with pancreatic inflammation 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 gallbladder problems (cholecystitis), bile ducts (with dyskinesia) and hypoacid gastritis.

The pharmacologically active compound of the plant - hyperforin - has not only a pronounced sedative effect, but, as it turned out, is able to protect the beta-cells of the pancreas and prevent their death in type 1 diabetes. [15]

Big burdock for pancreatitis

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

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

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

Aloe for pancreatitis

Aloe juice taken internally for chronic pancreatitis, helps to reduce swelling of the pancreas and has an antibacterial and astringent effect on the mucosa of the entire GI tract.

However, be aware that the anthraquinone type (1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl or emoline) contained in aloe juice is a very strong laxative. In addition, aloe juice can be poisoned with the development of intestinal cramps and inflammation. [18], [19]

Biologically active compounds from the roots and rhizomes of Eleutherococcus prickly (Acanthopanax senticosus), which belongs to the plants-adaptogens, 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 leaf extracts (Ginkgo biloba) have a similar effect.

In traditional Oriental medicine in chronic pancreatitis use rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum), sickle root (Bupleurum falcatum), yellow root or hydrastis canadensis (Hydrastis canadensis), scutellariae (Scutellariae), white peony (Paeonia officinalis).

Herbs for pancreatitis that have anti-inflammatory effects include: licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), sage (Salvia officinalis), willow tea or kyprey (Chamerion angustifolium), wilted tavolga (Filipendula ulmaria), gentian (Gentiana), stilted anchorites (Tribulus terrestris), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), red clover (Trifolium pratense).

Spices for pancreatitis

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

But some spices in pancreatitis chronic course (out of exacerbation) can be used primarily for therapeutic purposes. So, along with seeds of dill and fennel, reduce the intensity of intestinal gas and reduce bloating of the stomach, contributing to the relief of spasms of the stomach and intestines, the fruit of common anise, badian (star anise), cardamom and basil greens. Parsley acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

What is the basis for recommending the use of spices such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) or turmeric (Curcuma longa)? Their antioxidant effects.

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

Despite having almost half the antioxidant potential of cinnamon, turmeric also helps reduce inflammation in pancreatitis, which is attributed to 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 by many different mechanisms (not always understood). 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, as it and turmeric are members of the same botanical family. Using ginger for pancreatitis can be a bad decision, because it increases the secretion of not only salivary glands, but also gastric glands. Frequent and immoderate use of the same tea with ginger root can bring chronic pancreatitis their stage of remission in a state of exacerbation. Although, of course, Zingiber officinale is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that helps with flatulence and gastrointestinal spasms. [22]

Do not use ginger with high stomach acidity, in the presence of concretions in the bladder or kidneys, as well as with poor blood clotting and severe arterial hypotension.

Laurel leaf for pancreatitis

Noble laurel (Laurus nobilis) contains essential oils, bitters and tannins (of phenolic origin), due to which it stimulates appetite and gastric secretion. And nearly three dozen compounds have been identified in the essential oil, including: 1,8-cineole, pinenes, limonene, geraniod, etc. [23]

Further you can not continue, because in the list of contraindications to the use of this spice - along with cardiological and vascular diseases - is pancreatitis.