The Pancreas is considered to be both an organ and a gland. This being so, it is part of the exocrine system (it makes enzymes to aid in digestion), and the endocrine system (it produces the hormone insulin which regulates blood sugar levels in the bloodstream). It is flat and pear shaped, about 5 inches in length and 2 inches in width and is located across the upper part of the abdomen right behind the stomach and touching the spleen.

If problems related to the pancreas appear there are things that can help improve its function as well as things that are detrimental to its proper function. Things that will help to improve the health of the Pancreas include; high fiber diet, small frequent meals, easily digested proteins such as nuts, beans, seeds, sprouts, whole grains, along with a lot of raw vegetables. Some of the things that can be detrimental to the pancreas' health would include; preservatives, milk products, animal proteins, excessive alcohol, coffee, tea, an unbalanced diet, sugar, bleached flour, processed foods, and stress.

Location of the Pancreas in different Disciplines:

REFLEXOLOGY:
On the right foot above the instep 2 inches below the second toe from the pinky, and on the left foot above the instep 1 inch below the pinky.

KINESIOLOGY:
The test point for the pancreas is 2-3 inches above the navel slightly to the left about 2 inches.

IRIDOLOGY:
In the right eye at about 7:10 and touching the autonomic nerve wreath. An orange coloration on the iris can also indicate problems in the pancreas area.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome - Tumor of the Pancreas

Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the Pancreas - pain in the upper abdomen, gassiness, nausea, and indigestion.

The majority of the problems with the Pancreas involve either hyperactivity (overactive), which would be an indication of Hypoglycemia or Low blood sugar. This is a condition, in which the pancreas is producing too much insulin, which makes the blood sugar levels drop. The other condition would be a hypoactive (underactive) pancreas in which case the pancreas cannot keep up with the sugar levels in the body. This condition is known as Hyperglycemia or Diabetes. The pancreas is either not being stimulated to produce insulin from the adrenals, and can't keep up with the amount being released by the liver, or it is not able to produce insulin.

Vitamins and Minerals:
B-Complex with extra B-1 and B-12

Chromium - should be chelated to either niacin or GTF chromium.

Zinc (prolongs the effect of insulin)

Iron

Calcium

Copper

Chlorine

Magnesium

Potassium

HERBS

Capsicum - helps heal and promote enzyme secretion

Dandelion - Stimulates the pancreas

Garlic - used as a natural anti-biotic in cases of pancreatitis.

Juniper Berries - high in natural insulin and as a preventative for disease. Can substitute for long term use of goldenseal.

Kelp - helps to stimulate the body's metabolism.

Nopal - support for the liver and pancreas. Helps to lower blood sugar levels.

Spirulina - helps with the sugar highs and lows.

Uva Ursi - will help diabetics regulate sugar levels.

Pro Pancreas is a blend of 13 herbs that support the health of the pancreas. Good for diabetics to take.

Blood Sugar Formula (Ayurvedic) -  Provides nutrients for optimal glandular and digestive functions. Supports the liver and pancreas. Helps maintain blood sugar levels already in the normal range.

PBS - is designed to nourish the pancreas and help maintain blood sugar levels that are already within the normal range.

HY-A - designed to meet the nutritional needs of the digestive system.

HY-C - is a combination of 16 herbs that nutritionally support the glandular system and associated metabolic processes. These herbs work to support the body as it attempts to reduce fire and strengthen water (support associated organs and maintain normal metabolic processes). Its primary herbs include glehnia, rehmannia, ophiopogon and eucommia.

Master Gland - Provides nutritional supplementation for all of the glands of the body. Supports energy metabolism. Provides protection to the glandular system. Contains essential minerals in an easily assimilated form. Master Gland® is a key product that provides nutritional supplementation for the glandular system. Hormones that are produced by these glands influence the health of the entire body. Vitamins and minerals are needed for proper function of these glands. 

Both Hypoglycemics and Diabetics should avoid large meals. Instead, 6-8 smaller meals should be eaten throughout the day. Hypoglycemics, as well as pregnant women should stay away from goldenseal because it lowers blood sugar. On the other hand, Diabetics should avoid licorice root by itself as it raises blood sugar and can also raise blood pressure. In my opinion, if you believe that you have problems with the pancreas, you should be tested for parasites along with other tests.

Blood sugar levels are arrived at in a cooperative effort by the liver, pancreas, and the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin and the liver to release sugar that it has stored. A weakness in any part of this cooperation can cause diabetes. If you think you might have one of these conditions some things you could ask yourself would include;

Do I get shaky, weak, irritable, headaches, or feel as if you are going to pass out?

Do I get sleepy or tired after a large meal?

Is my sugar high in the mornings?

If you answered yes to #1 it could be an indication of low blood sugar. (Hypoglycemia)

If you answered yes to #2 it could be an indication of high blood sugar. (Diabetes)

If you answered yes to #3 it could be an indication of mostly liver involvement.

In whatever case, the best way to find out would be to consult with your Physician or Healthcare provider. They can run tests that can determine the extent of the problem.

In the 19^th century, it was Samuel Thomson that promoted the use of Lobelia. The Native Americans had been using it for several years prior to this. Dr. John Christopher was also a promoter in the use of this herb. Some of its names include puke weed, emetic weed, Indian tobacco, asthma weed, gag root, vomitwort, wild tobacco, and bladderpod. With names like these it is no wonder this herb has not reached the popularity of many other herbs. It is a very versatile herb in that its effects are often determined by the amount given.

For example, in small doses, it is considered a stimulant; in larger doses it is considered a relaxant. It has antispasmodic, emetic, stimulant, relaxant, nervine, expectorant, anti-venomous, counter-irritant, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, cathartic, astringent, and nauseant properties. It was said by Dr. Christopher that "lobelia is one of the greatest herbs ever given to the world." Dr Samuel Thomson said, "there is no vegetable which the earth produces more harmless in it's effects on the human system, and none more powerful in removing disease and promoting health than lobelia."

As a powerful antispasmodic, lobelia is easily diffused and able to influence the entire body. It is an efficient relaxant, and is believed to be the best counter-irritant known to man. When used correctly, its effects on the mucous, muscular, and nervous systems are felt almost immediately. It can cause almost immediate relaxation of any contracted part of the respiratory system such as the bronchial tubes, esophagus, glottis, and the larynx.

During Dr. Thomsons time many wrote of this herb being nothing more than a poison because some of the healing that was taking place was too miraculous for it to be anything but a poison. Dr. Thomson as well as Dr. Christopher completely disregarded this theory as their use of this herb had helped so many people.

Medicinal uses of lobelia have included; abscesses, adynamia (weakness), angina pectoris (heart excitability), asthma, blood poisoning, blood circulation problems, boils, bronchial problems, bruises, catarrh, chicken pox, cold sweats, colds, colic, congestion, constipation, convulsions, cough, cramps, croup, digestive disturbances, drowning, dyspnea, diphtheria, earache, eczema, epilepsy, fainting, fevers, felons, female problems, heart weakness, hepatitis, hydrophobia, hysteria, inflammations, insect stings, laryngitis, measles, meningitis, nephritis, nervousness, palpitations, peritonitis, periostitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, poison ivy, poison oak, rheumatism, ringworm, scarlet fever, small pox, spasms, sprains, stomach irritation, tetanus, vomiting, whooping cough, and zymotic diseases.

As you can see, this herb has a very wide range of uses and still some look at it as poison. This herb is one that has been put here for man to use and the sooner man realizes that things weren't put on this earth just by happenstance or just to fill space, the sooner he will begin to unlock the secrets he so desperately needs to find.

This information is not intended to take the place of proper medical treatment, but is presented in an effort to educate in the area of historical uses of herbs. If you choose to use this information for self-diagnosis, it is recommended that you do so under the supervision of your physician or health care provider. If he does not wish to treat you in a manner you feel would be best for you, it is also recommended that you find a doctor that will abide by your wishes. You are paying him for his service, make sure you get that service.