Ayurvedic Treatment for Pancreatitis with Diet and Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The pancreas is a glandular organ situated in the abdomen that helps in the process of digestion and also regulates the levels of sugar in the blood. It is located behind the stomach and across the back of the abdomen. The pancreas has a tadpole-like shape and is about the size of a hand. Inflammation in the pancreas is a very painful condition.  Due to this condition, the patient may suffer from symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting etc. Intake of large amounts of alcohol may lead to pancreatitis. In this article, we are going to study Pancreatitis in detail. Let’s start!

Introduction

Pancreatitis can be defined as the swelling or inflammation of the Pancreas gland. Due to inflammation of the pancreas, the patient suffers from pain. Inflammation of the pancreas is an immune system response. It occurs when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself. The pain of the Pancreatitis usually feels in the upper middle or left part of your belly and it may spread across the back or left shoulder blade. The pain usually occurs suddenly and gets worse. In this article, we are going to study causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, management, Ayurvedic aspect, diet, Ayurvedic management and herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Pancreatitis.

Types of Pancreatitis

There are mainly two types of Pancreatitis which are as follows

1. Acute Pancreatitis- It is a condition that occurs suddenly and usually, it goes away in a few days. It is a temporary condition that occurs when the pancreas is attempting to recover from short-term or minor injury. This condition may show symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, indigestion, bloating etc.
2. Chronic Pancreatitis- It is a long-term, progressive condition that worsens with time. This condition can lead to permanent damage. Chronic Pancreatitis most commonly occurs due to alcohol abuse.  This condition can lead to malnutrition and diabetes. This may show some common symptoms like pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diabetes etc.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Causes of Pancreatitis can vary from patient to patient and it can be defined as follows:

1. Alcohol abuse
2. Gallstones
3. Viral infection
4. Autoimmune diseases (Autoimmune pancreatitis)
5. Pancreatic injury
6. High levels of triglycerides
7. High levels of calcium
8. Tumors

Signs of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis may show some common signs that can be defined as follows:

1. Pain
2. Swelling
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The condition of pancreatitis may show a number of symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of the pancreatitis can include:

1. Severe pain in the upper abdomen that spreads to the back or chest
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Fever
4. Increased heartbeat
5. Shortness of breath
6. Tenderness in the upper abdomen
7. Indigestion
8. Loss of appetite
9. Fatty stools
10. Bloating
11. Weight loss

Diagnosis of Pancreatitis

The condition of Pancreatitis can be diagnosed by taking a proper physical and medical history and physical examination. The following physical and clinical tests can be done in the condition of Pancreatitis:

1. Physical examination- To check the tenderness in the abdominal region which is a common symptom of Pancreatitis.
2.  Blood tests- To check the levels of amylase and lipase enzymes that are secreted by the pancreas.
3. Ultrasound- To check the changes in gall stones or changes in the pancreatic ducts.
4. CT scan- To check the gall stones and extent of inflammation.
5. MRI- To check the images of ducts of the pancreas and irregular tissues or structures in the gallbladder.

Management of Pancreatitis

The management of pancreatitis is based on the symptoms and complications. There are no specific medicines to manage the condition of Pancreatitis. The management may include:

1. Pain relieving medicine
2. Intravenous fluids to keep the body hydrated
3. Antibiotics if the cause of pancreatitis is infection

Ayurvedic Aspect of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition of inflammation of the pancreas. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with the condition of Agnashyashotha. The word Agnashyashotha denotes the inflammation of the Pancreas (Agnya- Pancreas, Shotha- Inflammation). Agnashya (Pancreas) helps in the digestion of food. The pancreas is an organ where the digestive fire is located. The pancreas secretes various enzymes that help in the digestion process. This can be managed by balancing aggravated Pitta dosha as the Excess of Pitta dosha can lead to inflammation. An increase in digestive fire due to aggravated Pitta dosha leads to burnout of food due to which the patient suffers from malnutrition.

Ayurvedic Management of Pancreatitis

The condition of Pancreatitis can be correlated with Agnashyashotha in Ayurveda. This condition can be managed by using Amalaki powder, Amalaki Rasayan, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Dashmoola, Shatavari, Triphala, Bilva etc. Along with these herbal formulations, the role of Panchakarma is also very effective in the Treatment of Pancreatitis.

Panchkarma for Pancreatitis

1. Basti (medicated enema)- This therapy is effective in eliminating toxins from the body and helps in relieving inflammation.
2. Virechana (Purgation therapy)- It is a very effective therapy which helps in removing aggravated Pitta from the body.

Diet for Pancreatitis

1. Cow ghee
2. Fruits like apple, pomegranate, papaya etc.
3. Dry fruits like soaked almonds, walnuts etc.
4. Vegetables like pumpkin, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, ash gourd, bottle gourd, carrot etc.
5. Old grains
6. Pulses like green and yellow lentils
7. Spices like coriander, fenugreek, fennel, cumin, cardamom etc.
8. Avoid non-veg
9. Avoid milk products
10. Avoid alcohol, smoking, tobacco etc.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Pancreatitis

Planet Ayurveda is a large-scale manufacturer of  Herbal and herbo-mineral products. These products are manufactured as mentioned in Ayurveda texts. All the herbs used in these medicines are highly efficient and taken from natural resources. Formulations of Planet Ayurveda are found in various forms like oil, decoction, syrup, tablet, powder, capsules etc. For the management of Pancreatitis, Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of formulations. In this article, we are going to study such formulations for the management of this disease. Let’s start!

1. Sanjeevani Vati
2. Mahashankh Vati
3. Praval Panchamrit Ras
4. Curcumin capsules
5. Pitta Balance capsules
6. Digestion Support capsules

Product Description

1. Sanjeevani Vat

This is a classical formulation that contains ingredients like Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and many more. Haritaki helps remove toxic waste by breaking up blockage within the pancreas. Sanjivani vati helps in improving the secretion of digestive enzymes and thus helps in indigestion management. This formulation also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in managing inflammation.

Dosage- 2 tablets twice daily after meals.

2. Mahashankh Vati

This classical formulation contains Shunthi (Zingiber officinale),  Pippali (Piper longum), Shankha Bhasma (Conch shell) and many more. This formulation also contains various salts like rock salt, sea salt and black salt. This classical formulation is very helpful in the management of symptoms of digestion-related problems like indigestion, distention, pain etc. Salts in Mahashankh Vati help in secreting digestive enzymes and improving food absorption.

Dosage- 1 tablet twice daily after meals.

3. Praval Panchamrit Ras

This formulation contains ingredients like Mukta Bhasma, Shankh Bhasma, Shukti Bhasma, Praval Bhasma etc. This formulation is very effective in the management of symptoms like bloating, anorexia, indigestion, burping and other digestion-related problems. It contains calming properties which help in case of a burning sensation in the abdomen.

Dosage- 1 tablet twice daily after meals.

4. Curcumin capsules

This is a single herb formulation that contains Haridra (Curcuma longa). Haridra contains anti-inflammatory properties that relieve inflammation in case of Pancreatitis. Curcumin is very effective in balancing all three doshas that are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It helps in improving immunity and removing toxins from the body. It also aids the digestion of the body.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

5. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance of Planet Ayurveda contains ingredients like Jahar mohra Pishti, Kaharava Pishti, Akik Pishti, Mukta Pishti and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This is an effective remedy to balance aggravated Pitta dosha. Along with this, it also improves the digestion system and improves burning sensation in case of Pancreatitis. Due to Pitta’s pacifying effects, it provides cooling to the body

Dosage-  1 capsule twice daily after meals.

6. Digestion Support

This herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum) and many more. Amalaki is effective in the management of heat due to its cold potency. It also helps in the secretion of digestive juices and aids digestion. Haritaki, Dhania and Sounf help in the management of gas and flatulence. Pippali helps in improving appetite and improves digestion by stimulating digestive juices secretion. Jeerak aids digestion and manages gas and flatulence.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

Conclusion

Pancreatitis is a condition in which inflammation of the pancreas gland is present. Ayurvedic herbs can effectively manage the condition of Pancreatitis. The modern medicine system works on the management of symptoms of this condition, whereas the Ayurvedic medicine system works on the root causes of pancreatitis and balances aggravated dosha. Along with herbs and Panchkarma, its condition can be effectively managed. Various herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda can also help in managing this condition. Along with proper diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda can help in the management of any health condition effectively