Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in which the pancreatic enzymes auto-digest the gland. Recurrent, acute attacks of this condition can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Common signs and symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, fast heart rate, mild jaundice and abdominal rigidity. Long-standing alcohol consumption and biliary stone disease are the major causes for this condition.
An acute attack of pancreatitis is a medical emergency with potentially serious complications. All such patients should be hospitalized and treated accordingly. Ayurvedic treatment may be started once the acute condition has stabilized, in order to prevent a recurrence, and to prevent or reduce permanent damage to the pancreas. Medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica) and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) form the main stay of treatment for this condition. Other medicines which can be used effectively are: Sutshekhar-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut-Ras, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Shankh-Bhasma, Shankh-Vati, Praval-Bhasma and Kamdudha-Ras.
Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Rohitakarishta, Tamra-Bhasma, Medohar-Guggulu, Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Maha-Shankh-Vati, Swarjika-Kshar, Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Rohitak (Tecoma undulata) and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) are used to treat impacted gall stones, which can result in pancreatitis. Medicines like Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivadi-Churna, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica) can be used to heal the pancreas and prevent permanent damage to the gland. Medicines like Sukshma-Triphala, Triphala-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu can be used to prevent bleeding in the pancreas and the surrounding areas, and possible infection in the peritoneal cavity.
Because of the serious nature of this condition, prevention is highly desirable, and people at risk should be advised to avoid alcohol in binge amounts and to discontinue risk factors like fatty meals.
