Herbal supplements before surgery

Recently I saw a report in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal claims that more than two fifths of cosmetic surgery patients take some form of herbal supplement in the sometime before their operation. Experts are concerned that some supplements can be harmful around the time of surgery and may also interact with conventional medicines. Dr Alan Gold, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Asaps), said that despite the well-documented side-effects of some herbal supplements, "many patients do not fully appreciate the importance of discontinuing these treatments before surgery". While some herbal supplements may provide benefits during recovery, commonly used herbal medications such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic, echinacea, valerian root and others can have deleterious effects when combined with surgery.

This is pretty scary if you ask me. The reason? Well, most of us think that we don't have to inform our doctor regarding the use of herbal supplements. Not so!! Dr. Gold added: "Stopping certain herbal supplements prior to surgery is just as critical as stopping aspirin, ibuprofen and many other common drugs."

As many as 70% of patients do not disclose the use of alternative medications to their surgeon or conventional health care provider, sometimes because they feel these physicians have little knowledge or interest in naturopathic medicine, or they feel physicians may disapprove of such treatments. Some patients simply fail to recognize the relevance of supplement usage to their current medical or surgical care. Patients need to be aware that full disclosure of all medications - both those that are prescribed and those that are obtained over-the-counter - is extremely important to their health and safety.
So please, if you do take herbal supplements, be sure to inform your doctor. In today's world we are willing to try anything that will help us overcome our infirmities. Doctors are no longer surprised to find out that their patients are taking natural medicines and/or herbal supplements. So go ahead, disclose everything!!





Herbal Medications to Avoid Within 2 Weeks of Surgery

--Gingko Biloba--Echinacea--Garlic--Goldenseal--Ginseng--Licorice--Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids)--St. John's Wort--Dong Quai--Kava--Feverfew--Valerian Root--Ephedra