Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in which pancreatic enzymes self-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, rapid heart rate, mild jaundice, and abdominal rigidity. Prolonged consumption of alcohol and gallstone disease are the main causes of this condition.
An acute attack of pancreatitis is a medical emergency with potentially serious complications. All these patients should be hospitalized and treated accordingly. Ayurvedic treatment can be started once the acute condition has stabilized, to prevent a recurrence and to prevent or reduce permanent damage to the pancreas. Drugs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica) and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) form the main line of treatment for this condition. Other medicines that 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 Spicy Herbs), Maha-Shankh-Vati, Swarjika-Kshar, Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Rohitak (Tecoma undulata) and Sharpu nkha (Teph rosia purpurea) are used to treat impacted gallstones, which can lead to pancreatitis. Drugs 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 glans penis. Medications such as Sukshma-Triphala, Triphala-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, and Punarnavadi-Guggulu can be used to prevent bleeding in the pancreas and surrounding areas, and possible infection in the peritoneal cavity.
Due to the serious nature of this condition, prevention is highly desirable, and people at risk should be advised to avoid binge drinking and to discontinue risk factors such as fatty foods.