Pancreas healing Herbs
that are also great for liver
Incorporating Pancreas Healing herbs into your diet is very important for your digestion and absorption. Although Tiny and generally unnoticed, your pancreas plays one of the most important roles in the digestive and endocrine process.
This is the principle digestive gland, whose secretion contains enzymes capable of hydrolyzing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In function the pancreas is a double glandular organ-digestive and endocrine.
If your pancreas is unable to fully function, nutrients from food that you eat will not be properly digested and will become unavailable to you. What a waste, ha?
What's the Pancreas doing exactly:
The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum; the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes join with bile (the liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder) to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy.
The pancreas produce vita to digestion enzymes
These enzymes include:
trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins;
amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates;
lipase to break down fats.
When food enters the stomach, these pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts that culminate in the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct to form the ampulla of Vater which is located at the first portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The common bile duct originates in the liver and the gallbladder and produces another important digestive juice called bile. The pancreatic juices and bile that are released into the duodenum, help the body to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Endocrine Function of the pancreas:
The endocrine component of the pancreas consists of cells that create and release important hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Two of the main pancreatic hormones are:
insulin, which acts to lower blood sugar, and
glucagon, which acts to raise blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial to the functioning of key organs including the brain, liver, and kidneys
Three major pancreatic problems may occur:
- Acute or chronic pancreatitis – inflammation and tissue damage along the pancreas [2] ;
- Diabetes – one of the most dangerous and common pancreatic disorders;
- Pancreatic cancer which is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in America [3] and has a 100% mortality rate.
Pancreatitis
Pancreas can become inflamed if digestive enzymes build up inside it and begin to attack it. It can be acute or chronic.
Causes
main cause is a poor diet, mainly consisting of processed, high fat, high sugar, meat/diary and low veggie foods.
- alcohol abuse
- gallstones
- infection (hepatitis A or D or Epstein-Barr virus)
- drugs (such as seizures meds, meds for treating bipolar disorder, arthritis, cancer, chemotherapy…)
- abdomen injury
- manganese deficiency
Symptoms
- sudden pain starting in or around the area of the navel and radiating to the back and worsening with movement
- nausea
- vomiting
- upper abdominal swelling and/or pain
- excessive gas
- fever
- sweating
- hypertension
- muscle ache
- abnormal fatty stools
The well-planned mechanism designed by the Creator, for our digesting procedure of food in the body, you can see why it is so important to keep the body organs in a good clean working condition for perfect health. If the body is loaded with toxic and heavy mucus and metals materials, the nervous system is not doing a good job, and the pancreas is weak and can cause low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), or diabetes (high blood sugar level).
Pancreatic Exhaustion and Failure
Unhealthy diets have a lot to do with pancreatic problems. Eating too many sugars can cause an overload. When the body breaks down these sugars it does it so fast, it creates blood sugar imbalances. This kind of rise and fall process of high to low blood sugar levels leads to the deterioration of the pancreas and eventually pancreatic exhaustion, and that can be prevented by eating a proper diet.
Because the main job of the pancreas is to regulate blood sugar, it is common for the pancreas to become exhausted for those who have diabetes. Once the pancreas has exhausted itself by working so hard to break down sugars, it will stop producing insulin hormones altogether, making it impossible for the body to break down sugar at all.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs either when pancreas stops producing insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin it produces. Both result in glucose, the body’s fuel, not being absorbed by the cells and building up in the bloodstream. Insulin is needed to be present and working for this absorption into the cells to occur.
Another theory is that the diabetes occurs when the glucose cant get through to the cells because of high levels of fat in the diet. Read my “How to keep Candida under control with Herbs & Foods (without removing fruit)” post about that.
- Type 1 Diabetes is insulin dependent and diabetics must inject themselves with insulin daily to control blood sugar levels.
- In Type 2 Diabetes, the body produces its own insulin, but the cells are unable to respond to it properly.
Stimulating pancreas
Pancreas secrets its juices through nervous or humoral control.
Stimulation of the nerves leading to the pancreas, especially the vagus, evokes secretion of pancreatic juice, but, compared to “secretin” juice, “vagus” juice is very thick. The humoral and nervous mechanisms of secretion are complementary to each other [9]
Pancreas Healing Herbs
Don’t be overwhelmed by the long list of herbs. Just simply pick a couple of those that sound most familiar, if you have some of them in your pantry. Or pick out a few that sounds good and you think will bring most healing benefits. Then the next step would be to learn some more about the herbs you picked. The way they must be prepared, the dosage… then go ahead and add them to your diet! All of the herbs are not only going to work for the pancreas and liver, they have many more other useful benefits and nutrients! The burdock and red clover are also two of the most powerful detox herbs; licorice root is one of the best synergistic herbs – meaning it empowers other herbs it is in a formulation with…etc. Plus all the herbs are incredibly nutritious and provide a rich amount of vitamins, enzymes, micro and macro-nutrients, essential minerals, fiber, protein, amino acids and other constituents.
Herbs to Cleanse the bloodstream and liver
and reduce the burden of the pancreas:
Herbs that stimulate and strengthen the pancreas:
Read more about Cedar Berries and learn to identify them HERE
To buy: starwest-botanicals.com and mountainroseherbs.com.
-
Gentian
The roots of gentian can stimulate the pancreas, gall bladder and mucous membranes of the stomach to increase secretion of pancreatic enzymes, bile, stomach acid and digestive juices[9].
-
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is one of the most highly valued herbs. It has the ability to lower blood sugar and aid the overall functioning of the pancreas [7], and helps to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas which is beneficial to people suffering from diabetes. It also helps control intestinal dysbiosis, which contributes to sugar cravings. Goldenseal is capable of promoting the healthy functioning of the colon, spleen and the pancreas, and enhancing the production of bile. [8] It is also noted for its ability to clear up infection. An alternative for the mucous membranes and glands, an antiseptic a deobstruent, for the glandular system and many other attributes. Do not use for more than one week at a time, during pregnancy or if allergic to ragweed.
-
Blueberry leaves
Rich in anti-glycemic agent - myrtillin. Myrtillin is found in all green plants but most abundantly in blueberry or huckleberry leaves and various myrtles. It is also present in oatmeal.
Here is a pointer not only for diabetics but for everyone seeking a healthful beverage in place of coffee – tea made from blueberry or huckleberry leaves, gathered from your own garden, or fields or purchased from one that was organically grown or wild-harvested in dry form.
-
Dandelion root
Stimulates bile production. Canadian researchers discovered that dandelion root extract can induce apoptosis and autophagy to combat cancer cells without any significant effect on noncancerous cells. [4] Teas made from dandelion have also been known to flush out the intestines and aid the recovery and healing of damaged pancreatic tissues. [2] Root is an alternative or blood purifier and a mild diuretic. It contains inulin, which feeds friendly gut flora.
-
Licorice Root
Licorice was found extremely effective for many pancreatic disorders – it supports all glandular functions and is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to research, licorice is "fortified with anti-inflammatory compounds that work to reduce the pain and swelling associated with pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis."[6] (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This herb was used from before the time of Hippocrates, prescribed by early physicians in cases of dropsy and diabetes, to prevent thirst. This herb is another glandular food and cleanser, being an emollient, demulcent, pectoral and laxative. Licorice root has 6-8 percent glycyrrhizin; a sweet white crystalline powder, consisting of the calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizic acid, sugar, starch, gum, protein, fat, resin, asparagine, and etc. All of the glands can be cleansed and nourished with this herb. Do not use for more than 7-10 days in a row.
-
Oregano
Oregano can inhibit porcine pancreatic amylase and is rich in natural phenolic antioxidants and for these qualities traditionally used to treat diabetes[5].
-
Cascara Sagrada (Sacred Bark)
the chemical components of Cascara sagrada are effective in stimulating the organs and digestive system, including the gallbldder, pancreas and stomach (acceleration/increased efficiency of these organs increases digestive fluids). Cascara sagrada is extremely bitter.
-
Stinging Nettle Root
is an extremely rich source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc. This herb is an alkalizing herb and is useful to the body because of its nutritive value and its high levels of minerals.
-
Uva Ursi Leaf
or bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi: Ericaceae) is an excellent herb for the adrenal, for diabetes, Bright's disease, and assists in controlling kidney and bladder congestion.
-
Mullein Leaf
leaves are typically used to moisten and heal lung tissue, but also have soothing effects on other mucus membranes.
-
Cayenne
(Capsicum minimum; C. fastigiatum) is a great herb in aiding the digestive system, pancreas, etc., to have smoother performance and working in cooperation with the other organs and the circulatory system. It is stimulant, tonic, carminative, sialagogue, stomachic, rubefacient, pungent, alterative, astringent, sudorific, emetic, antiseptic, condiment, antirheumatic. Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb. It is the purest and most certain stimulant. This herb is a great food for the circulatory system in that it feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of the arteries, veins and capillaries so that these regain the elasticity of youth again and the blood pressure adjusts itself to normal. It rebuilds the tissues in the stomach and heals stomach and intestinal ulcers; in equalizing the blood circulation, cayenne produces natural warmth; and in stimulating the peristaltic motion of the intestines, it aids in assimilation and elimination.
Recommendations:
- If you develop symptoms of pancreatitis please see your health care provider first.
- Eat a diet low in fat and remove refined sugar – this is very important for Recovery! High levels of sugar and fats in the blood are common with pancreatitis and often is the cause of it.
- If you have to take antibiotics please be sure to take probiotics in the form of home fermented veggies, and work on restoring your gut microbiome through other ways.
- Eat more raw and steamed, high fibrous veggies and fruits
- Low meat, fat, nuts, legumes.
- Remove all processed foods, gluten, dairy, soy, corn and limit nightshades.
- Consider fasting. Fast can improve the health of all organs including the pancreas.
- Drink plenty of clean water.
- Exercise.
- Detox.
- Sleep.
- Sun exposure.
Resources:
[1] http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/symptoms-of-pancreas-problems.html
[2] http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/pancreatitis.htm
[3] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417114757.htm
[4] The effect of Equisetum arvense L. (Equisetaceae) in histological changes of pancreatic beta-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic in rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=horsetail%2C+pancreas
[5] Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15563448
[6] http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/herbal-pancreatitis-treatment.aspx
[7] Dónal O’Mathúna and Walter L. Larimore, Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Zondervan, 2001)
[8] http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/goldenseal.htm
[9] http://www.springboard4health.com/notebook/herbs_gentian.html
Goldenseal is one of the most highly valued herbs. It has ability to lower blood sugar and aid the overall functioning of the pancreas [7], and helps to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas which is beneficial to people suffering from diabetes.
Goldenseal is capable of promoting the healthy functioning of the colon, spleen and the pancreas, and enhancing the production of bile. [8]
[9] (Nathaniel Kleitman, Bibliog.-B.P. Babkin, “Secretory Mechanism of the Digestive Glands,” 1944).
8 thoughts on “Pancreas healing Herbs for better digestion”
Can the pancreas regenerate its beta cells? I am a type 2 but lately my pancreas isn’t making insulin.
All our organs have the ability to regenerate. adjusting our diets to remove/limit toxin intake as well as intake of the environmental toxins. that will create a break for the body to focus on regeneration. Fasting is also a way to go, but you need to research the topic first. best of health,Milla.
I am interested in Pancrease healing herbs that are also good for liver
Thank you for a list that includes such readily available herbs. Super helpful. Local weeds!!
I complained of a major pain in my right low lumbar I explained to Dr. $$$ I have severe kidney and bladder infection this was not treated by her ,months later my pancreas was infected and it almost stopped working I couldn’t even get out of bed my muscles everything was the same symptoms of pancreatitis and she still would not treat me where the kidney and bladder infection I almost died and I had to treat myself with your information.go to her abusive appointment finally she gave ma a percription of antibiotics horse pills after seven days the pain stopped urination was working some what normal, my appointment I told her for half hour what was happening ,I feel she abused me intentionally,God bless you for factual life savings information.😷
thanks for the article very very,informative in a special very special, as a license nutritionist it one of the most supportive,i have seen so far.
Thank you so much ♥️
Thank you😅