There are two types of pancreatitis, or inflammation of your pancreas: acute and chronic. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that approximately 210,000 Americans every year are admitted to the hospital with acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis, caused by prolonged alcohol abuse, usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 40. Before ingesting herbs, ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and limitations of these natural healing agents.
Pancreatitis
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of heavy drinkers develop pancreatitis at some point in their lives, notes Montana State University. Other risk factors for this condition include poor nutrition, genetics, a family history of this condition and having certain other health problems, such as gallstones, cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer. Among the most commonly experienced symptoms associated with pancreatitis are pain in your upper abdomen, unexplained weight loss, indigestion and oily stools.
Helpful Herbal Remedies
Herbs present a type of dietary supplement that may be helpful in treating your condition. Some of the most helpful herbal remedies in treating your pancreatitis, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include burdock root, red clover, milk thistle, echinacea, gentian root, goldenseal, cedar berries, dandelion root, licorice root, cat's claw and olive leaf extract. Further clinical research is necessary to determine the true effectiveness of these herbs for this health purpose.
Herb in Focus
Cat's claw may be a helpful herbal remedy in treating your pancreatitis. This herb, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, may be particularly helpful in reducing inflammation and stimulating your immune system. Cat's claw has historically been used in treating intestinal problems, arthritis and viral infections. The roots and inner bark of the cat's claw plant are used in herbal preparations. The center recommends taking 20 mg of the standardized extract three times per day. Always review dosage with your doctor before using herbal remedies.
Considerations
Acute and chronic pancreatitis are serious conditions that require the help of a licensed health care professional. Herbal remedies, though commonly used in treating pancreatitis, should not be used in place of other efficacious treatment measures prescribed by your primary care provider. To better understand the role of herbal remedies in treating your pancreatitis, schedule a visit with a naturopathic physician and a medical doctor, or even better, an M.D. who has advanced training in botanical medicine.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Pancreatitis
- Montana State University: Pancreas: Function
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pancreatitis
