Herbal Supplements and Surgery

Do not take herbal supplements up to three weeks before surgery to ensure that your body is avoid of them. Look at the list of some usual herbal supplements and their interference with surgery. Get to know that other herbal supplements may also influence your surgery and inform your doctor about their use.

Herbal supplement	Possible complications
Aloe vera	May lead to increased intestinal muscle movement to digest food (peristalsis), may lessen effectiveness of water pills (diuretics) taken after surgery.
Bromelain	Bleeding or interaction with such antibiotics as amoxicillin or tetracyclines is possible.
Danshen	Bleeding is possible.
Dong quai	Bleeding is possible.
Echinacea	May interfere with immune functioning, may influence the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs used after transplant surgery.
Ephedra	May lead to abnormal heartbeat, very high blood pressure and coma if used together with some antidepressants and anesthesia.
Feverfew	May lead to bleedingGarlic May lead to bleeding, may hinder normal blood clotting.Ginger Bleeding is possible.
Ginkgo	Bleeding is possible.
Ginseng	Bleeding is possible. It may lead to rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.
Goldenseal	May lead to swelling and high blood pressure or even worsen them.
Kava	May increase sedative effects of anesthesia
Licorice (not containing licorice candy)	May enhance blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids	May lead to bleeding if daily taken dosage is more than 3 grams
Senna	May lead to electrolyte imbalance
St. John's wort	May enhance or lessen the effects of some drugs applied during and after surgery
Valerian	May make the effects of anesthesia longer