Herbal Supplements to be Avoided Prior to Surgery
Herb |
Relevant Effects |
Surgery Concern |
Recommendation |
Echinacea |
Boosts immunity. | Allergic reactions, impairs immune suppressive drugs, could impair wound healing. | Discontinue as far in advance as possible. |
Ephedra(ma huang) |
Increases heart rate, increases blood pressure. | Risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, interaction with other drugs, kidney stones. | Discontinue at least 24 hours before surgery. |
Garlic (ajo) |
Prevents clotting. | Risk of bleeding, especially when combined with other drugs that inhibit clotting. | Discontinue at least 7 days before surgery. |
Ginko(duck foot, maidenhair, silver apricot) |
Prevents clotting. | Risk of bleeding, especially when combined with other drugs that inhibit clotting. | Discontinue at least 36 hours before surgery. |
Ginseng |
Lowers blood glucose, inhibits clotting. | Lowers blood-sugar levels. Increases risk of bleeding. Interferes with Warfarin (an anti-clotting drug). | Discontinue at least 7 days before surgery. |
Kava(kawa, awa, intoxicating pepper) |
Sedates,
Reduces anxiety. |
May increase sedative effects of anesthesia. Risks of addiction, tolerance and withdrawal unknown. | Discontinue at least 24 hours before surgery. |
St. John’s Wort(Amber, Goatweed) |
Inhibits re-uptake of neuro-transmitters (similar to Prozac). | Alters metabolism of other drugs (such as Warfarin, steroids, protease inhibitors). | Discontinue at least 5 days before surgery. |
Valerian |
Sedates | Could increase effects of sedatives. Withdrawal symptoms resemble Valium addiction. | If possible, taper dose weeks before surgery. |
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