Herbal supplements and surgery

Before you have surgery, tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you're taking. Some common herbal supplements can interfere with the success of your surgery.

You might not think to tell your doctor about the herbal supplements you're taking, such as the echinacea you take to fight off colds or the feverfew you use to prevent your migraines. But what you may not realize is that these and other herbal supplements can affect the success of a surgical procedure, just as conventional medicines can. Tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you're taking well before you have surgery. You may need to stop taking some herbal supplements up to three weeks before surgery to make sure they leave your system completely.

Here's a look at some common herbal supplements and how they can interfere with surgery. Keep in mind that other herbal supplements also may affect your surgery, so be sure to also tell your doctor if you're taking any herbs that aren't on this list.

Danshen
May cause bleeding

Dong quai
May cause bleeding

Echinacea
May interfere with immune functioning, may alter effectiveness of immuno-suppressant drugs given after transplant surgery
Ephedra
May cause abnormal heartbeat, may cause extreme high blood pressure and coma if combined with certain antidepressants and anesthesia

Feverfew
May cause bleeding

Garlic
May cause bleeding, may interfere with normal blood clotting

Ginger
May cause bleeding

Ginkgo
May cause bleeding

Ginseng
May cause bleeding, may cause rapid heartbeat, may cause high blood pressure

Goldenseal
May cause or worsen high blood pressure

Kava
May enhance sedative effects of anesthesia

Licorice (not including licorice candy)
May increase blood pressure

Senna
May cause electrolyte imbalance

St. John's wort
May increase or decrease the effects of some drugs used during and after surgery

Valerian
May interfere with the effects of anesthesia

Source:
Mayoclinic, which sends emails if you subscribe to them: housecall@mayoclinic.com