Surgery and Herbal Supplementation

• According to a July 2001 JAMA article, patients should discontinue use of herbal supplements 24 hours to 1 week prior to surgery to minimize potential negative effects and interactions with drugs used in the hospital.

• Up to 1/3 of patients admitted to the hospital for surgery are taking an herbal product, and many of them have not informed their physicians.

• Gingko, garlic, and ginseng increase bleeding times.

• Echinacea can suppress the immune system after 8 weeks of use.

• Ephedra may increase heart rate and blood pressure and when combined with other drugs can lead to arrythmias.

• Kava and valerian may increase the effect of sedatives.