Helping the Pancreas

Problems with the pancreas must be taken seriously. Diseases of this organ can have serious consequences and might even result in the very often fatal pancreatic cancer. This endocrine gland produces around two litres of pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes without which our digestion would not function. We would not be able to survive.

The most important pancreatic enzymes are the lipases which are necessary for digesting fats, the amylases for digesting carbohydrates and the proteases for splitting up protein. Without those, our body is not able to process food. The most common cause for a diseased pancreas is the regular consumption of alcohol. Ingesting more than 40 grams (men) or 20 grams (women) of pure alcohol per day is far too much. Cut down on alcohol and make sure that you have 7 to 10 "dry" days per month to give your pancreas some respite.

The pancreas has another vital task: the production of insulin and the hormone glucagon which regulate blood sugar levels. If there is a problem, we might develop diabetes.
The symptoms of a diseased pancreas are: severe tummy aches, diarrhoea and painful bloating. Also, an intolerance to fatty food, beans and peas as well as cabbage is very common.

It is essential to see your doctor, but there is also help from nature to support the therapy. Medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Coprinus) are a valuable support to restore pancreas function.

(pics: everfood.ch)


Take a bath - mix 30 grams each of dried peppermint and chamomile. Pour boiling water over the dried herbs, allow them to infuse for 10 minutes and add the tincture to the bath water. Bathe for about 15 minutes. After that, dry yourself and massage your abdomen (upper and lower) with wheat germ oil, olive oil or chamomile oil. Rest in bed for an hour. Repeat this procedure daily.


Beetroot is very beneficial for an inflamed pancreas. Eat 200 grams of cooked beetroot every day for two weeks. If this is too much hassle, drink 100 ml fresh beetroot juice instead.



For those who like to prepare their own tea - mix in equal parts: arnica root, peppermint, birch leaves, yarrow, chamomile and valerian. Add a teaspoon of the tea mix to 250 ml water and bring to the boil. When you see the bubbles, take the pan off the heat, cover and let the tea rest for 15 minutes. Drink the tea slowly and without sugar before each meal.

The benefit of essential oils - to help the pancreas, add 3 to 5 drops of lemon oil to two tablespoons of lukewarm water, sweeten with honey and drink this mix several times a day.
Massage the area above the pancreas, slightly below the left rib-cage, with lavender oil.

(pic: welt.de)

Use linseed oil for cooking. Its content of Omega 3 fatty acids has a detoxing and anti-inflammatory effect.

If you are intolerant or allergic to any of these remedies, please don't use them!