The pancreas plays an important role in digestion, producing several digestive enzymes as well as insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. When considering herbs for the pancreas, you should keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated or approved herbal therapies for medical treatment, although certain herbs, such as juniper berries, uva ursi and capsicum, have been found beneficial to pancreatic health. Nevertheless, only use herbal therapies in conjunction with proper medical treatment and always under a doctor's supervision.
Dual Function
The pancreas functions as both an endocrine gland and digestive organ. Therefore, it can benefit from any herbs that support either of those systems. Herbs that are said to support the glandular system include mullein, goldenseal and licorice root. Herbs that are said to support digestion include cayenne, cinnamon and cascada sagrada.
General Pancreas Tonics
Juniper berries, uva ursi and capsicum are all highly regarded general pancreas tonics among alternative health practitioners. Other herbs with reported benefits for the pancreas include Jerusalem artichoke, gymnema, bilberry leaf and suma, which all may help regulate blood sugar levels, and cedar berries, which may help stimulate pancreatic function.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, or other damage to the pancreas could lead to diabetes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs that can support traditional treatments for pancreatitis include green tea, holy basil, Indian gooseberry and grape-seed extract for their antioxidant content, and rhodiola, cat's claw and reishi mushroom for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Case studies also reveal that traditional Chinese medicine may help in the treatment and prevention of pancreatitis. Herbs that may be included as part of TCM treatment for pancreatitis include licorice, peony and ginger root, Asian ginseng and cinnamon Chinese bark. Only pursue TCM from a licensed, certified practitioner and with your doctor's approval.
Diabetes
Because of its activity producing insulin and regulating blood sugar levels, the pancreas plays a role in diabetes. David Hoffman, author of "The New Holistic Herbal" reports that fringe tree bark, sweet sumach, nettles, jambul, goat's rue, ginseng and garlic are all possibilities for effective herbal adjuncts to proper medical diabetes treatment, depending on the individual. Herbs with a hypoglycemic, or blood-sugar lowering, effect may also help remediate diabetes symptoms. Among those believed to serve this function are allspice, bugleweed, burdock, ginseng, nettles and wormwood.
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