Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which is an abdominal gland responsible for producing digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis is very painful because it involves activation of enzymes within the gland instead of the small intestine, which leads to digestion and destruction of the pancreas. A relatively uncommon cause of pancreatitis is bacterial infection, which may be helped by herbal remedies that display antibiotic properties such as thyme. However, chemicals in thyme stimulate the pancreas, so it's often contraindicated in cases of acute pancreatitis. Consult with your doctor about the risk factors for pancreatitis and which foods and herbs to avoid.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Approximately 80 percent of pancreatitis cases are caused by alcohol abuse and gallstone formation, according to the book “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.” Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, whereas alcoholism is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis. Other less common causes of pancreatitis include overdose of medications, steroid use, trauma, autoimmune disease, diabetes, tumors, genetic factors and infection from viruses, bacteria and parasites. The most common enzyme that gets overproduced or activated within the pancreas during bouts of pancreatitis is trypsin, which breaks down protein and causes tissue destruction and inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with pancreatitis are severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that are worsened by eating, according to the “Textbook for Functional Medicine.” The area between your belly button and your sternum (breastbone) becomes swollen and very tender to the touch during bouts of pancreatitis. Sometimes the pain radiates to the midback. Pancreatitis can mimic a gallbladder attack. Severe cases can involve internal bleeding, elevated heart and respiratory rates and an increased risk of diabetes.
Contraindications of Thyme
Thyme is an herb rich in phenols, especially thymol and carvacrol, which display antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. As such, thyme is an herbal remedy commonly used for internal and topical infections. However, according to the book “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine,“ carvacrol has stimulatory effects on the pancreas by increasing the secretions of digestive enzymes, which is of benefit for digestive disorders, but can further aggravate pancreatitis. Due to this stimulating effect, thyme is usually contraindicated for acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis, gastritis and enteritis.
Other Benefits of Thyme
In addition to being a good antiseptic and able to fight disease-causing fungus and bacteria, thyme also aids in digestion because thymol and carvacol relax the smooth muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the “PDR for Herbal Medicine." Thyme is also used to help relieve menstrual cramps, reduce coughing, sooth sore throats and deter gingivitis.
References
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; A. Fauci et al.
- Textbook for Functional Medicine; David S. Jones
- Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine; Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
- PDR for Herbal Medicine; PDR Medical Staff
