Herbal Treatment For Chronic Pancreatitis

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of your pancreas -- a large gland and organ in your abdomen -- that does not improve over time. Chronic pancreatitis often causes irreversible damage to your pancreas, which in turn leads to many negative health effects, such as an inability to produce important hormones that help your body digest food. Herbal treatments have long been used to help treat chronic pancreatitis. You should talk to your doctor before trying to use herbs to treat pancreatis.

Chronic Pancreatitis Information

According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, some of the most common signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include long-term upper abdominal or back pain, foul-smelling bowel movements, unexplained weight loss, diabetes, nausea and vomiting. The precise cause of chronic pancreatitis is unknown. However, certain risk factors likely contribute to its onset, including alcohol abuse, blockage of your pancreatic ducts, genetic factors, excess calcium in your blood and autoimmune problems.

Common Herbal Treatments

In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch states that herbs for chronic pancreatitis help to treat various problems associated with this condition, including diabetes and digestive disorders. According to Balch, dandelion root helps to encourage bile generation and is healing for your pancreas. Licorice root assists glandular functions, including the functions of your pancreas. Olive leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory action, while other herbs -- such as cedar, gentian and echinacea -- boost the strength of your pancreas.

A Powerful Herb

Dandelion is a powerful herb often used to treat chronic pancreatitis. Dandelion, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is loaded with vitamin A and is used in many healing traditions to treat various ailments. The roots and leaves of the dandelion plant, notes Edward Smith -- a master herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual" -- help to treat bile duct obstruction and liver congestion. This herb improves the functioning of your pancreas, spleen and other organs.

Additional Information

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious illness that can cause death or disability in some cases. You can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing chronic pancreatitis by avoiding alcohol and engaging in other healthy lifestyle behaviors. Before you use herbal remedies to treat your chronic pancreatitis, speak with your health care provider about other treatment strategies that may also help to improve your condition. In many cases, several therapies may produce a more beneficial result than just one therapy alone.