Surgery and Herbal Supplementation
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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.
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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.
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Gingko, garlic, and ginseng increase bleeding times.
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Echinacea can suppress the immune system after 8 weeks of use.
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Ephedra may increase heart rate and blood pressure and when combined with other drugs can lead to arrythmias.
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Kava and valerian may increase the effect of sedatives.