Pancreas Trouble: A Cedar Berry Cure

Best Single Herb: Cedar berries

Best Combinations: Golden seal, juniper berry, uva ursi, cedar berries, mullein, yarrow, garlic, slippery elm, capsicum, dandelion, marshmallow, nettle, white oak, licorice

Other Helpful Supplements: Calcium/magnesium; B-complex vitamins

Possible Causes: Virus; injury; malnutrition; alcoholism; scar tissue

Complementary Help: Support digestion

The pancreas is an organ that serves many functions. It is a pinkish, semi-oblong-shaped organ about six to eight inches in length. It is located on your left side midway between your diaphragm and waist. The pancreas sits a little behind and a little below the stomach.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that is frequently diagnosed as idiosyncratic pancreatitis by physicians. This term cracks me up because it is such a long, technical-sounding term that, when interpreted simply means, “The pancreas is swollen, and we don’t know why!” As far as I’m concerned, you could use this term for other things, such as “idiosyncratic shop-a-holic,” meaning, “I’m addicted to shopping, and I don’t know why!”

Seriously, if you have a swollen pancreas, consult your physician to find out why, if possible. Alcohol may cause the pancreas to inflame, as can a virus, malnutrition, and any injury to the body near the pancreas. If you have a swollen pancreas, the root cause could be because of inadequate digestion, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or high blood sugar (diabetes).

Take herbs that are helpful in the body tissues, such as cedar berries (Juniperus virginiana). The berries of this toning plant, which take about two to three years to ripen, are the medicinal parts of this herb. Cedar berries have been used to aid inflammations of all types, including gout, ureteritis, arthritis, and hemorrhoids. Some claim that cedar berries also help combat the side effects experienced after immunizations.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Although good for contracting inflamed tissues, cedar berries should be avoided if you have inflammations due to kidney or bladder infections, or if you are pregnant.

You can apply the essential oil of the cedar berries as a topical application to help dandruff and achy joints or as an insect repellent. The oil acts as an astringent, so its topical applications can help shrink cold sores, hemorrhoids, and acne.

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