Pancreatitis refers to a condition in which the pancreas, an enzyme and hormone producing gland situated behind the stomach, becomes inflamed. In some cases, this condition can be acute in nature, coming about following heavy alcohol use, gallstones, certain medications and health conditions. Pancreatitis in an acute form can be severe and even life threatening in some individuals. Chronic pancreatitis refers to the consistent inflammation of the pancreatic gland. It often occurs following a bout of acute pancreatitis and can result in symptoms such as pain, nausea, fever and a rapid heart rate. Medications are typically used in order to treat chronic pancreatitis, and many of them are anti-inflammatory preparations in order to reduce the inflammation of the pancreas.
There are many herbs found in nature that display anti inflammatory properties, and more than handful can be brewed into a delicious tea for pancreatitis that will provide soothing and comforting relief. These herbal tea recipes can help alleviate some symptoms, often without the side effects associated with common medications. Any herbal remedies that you are considering should be discussed with your healthcare provider if you have chronic pancreatitis to ensure that they are safe for use in your individual situation based on your health and any medications that you are taking.
We have compiled a list of the best herbs for addressing the inflammation that is the source of pancreatitis. They can be combined together, enjoyed alone or added to your favorite cup of green or black tea for endless flavor combinations. The herbs on our top five list of choices for a tea for pancreatitis also boast purported additional medicinal benefits, furthering their benefit for all over wellness.
1. Berberis
Although relatively unknown, berberis (or barberry) has common uses in ancient Egyptian medicine due to being a superior all over tonic and is known for its cleansing properties. It supports healthy liver function and is also used for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. In fact, berberine, a chemical found in the herb is used in some eye drops used for the common infection, pinkeye. Barberry is also an anti-inflammatory herb, which is what makes it most useful in a tea for pancreatitis.
2. Devil’s Claw
Although its name may sound rather ominous, the root of the devil’s claw plant boasts a wide variety of positive medicinal uses including being a folkloric remedy for arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, devil’s claw is also thought to help provide pain relief, a common symptom of the glandular condition.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the oldest and best known herbal remedies, although today it is mostly popularized thanks to its extensive culinary applications. It can be a great addition to a tea for pancreatitis both for its flavor and potent anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin and terpene are the compounds in turmeric that are thought to provide health benefits. But, perhaps the biggest benefit to using turmeric in herbal tea recipes is that it is considered nearly devoid of adverse effects from its use.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow is a staple of ancient Eastern medicine and the essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and amino acids found in the plant are thought to hold the key to its medicinal powers. Yarrow is commonly used for hypertension and menstruation problems, but its role in a tea for pancreatitis relates to its anti-inflammatory properties. Both the leaves and flower heads can be used in tea making, and the resulting brew is purported to bring about a sweat that can both bring cold relief and help flush toxins from the body.
5. Yucca
Yucca is one of the most unusual looking plants, sporting long stalks that jut up from the main plant for a brief period of time annually. Its popularity in interesting landscaping is perhaps overshadowed however by its wide range of medicinal uses. Known as an effective agent against arthritis and for its purported pain relieving properties, yucca is thought to work thanks to its natural steroid compounds. The tea works well alongside other herbs like ginger and ginseng for added benefits and flavor and is included in many recipes for tea for pancreatitis.
