To most Americans, herbs and herbal remedies are still used only occasionally. But even "light" use of some herbs can be dangerous if a surgical procedure is in your future. Here, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, are 13 herbs to avoid if you're having surgery.
1. Echinacea. Echinacea is used primarily to boost the immune system and millions of people worldwide take it every fall to get their bodies ready for the inevitable assault during the cold and flu season. But echinacea may also cause inflammation of the liver, especially if used in conjunction with certain drugs used to treat irregular heart beat, some cancers and fungal infections.
2. Ephedra. This traditional Chinese herb is sometimes called Ma-Huang and is used both as an appetite suppressant and as a bronchial dilator. However, when it's combined with some of the medications used to treat high blood pressure, ephedra can also blood pressure to spike to potentially deadly levels.
3. Feverfew. Feverfew is a popular herbal remedy for arthritis, seasonal allergies and even some types of migraine. Feverfew's ability to "thin" the blood may also increase the risk of surgical and post-surgical bleeding, especially in surgery patients already assigned certain anti-clotting medications.
4. Garlic. Garlic is highly prized in herbal medicine and is used to treat a variety of infections, lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of certain types of cancer and to support cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, the properties that make garlic a prized preventative also make it more likely to increase surgical and post-surgical bleeding, especially if the patient is given anti-clotting medications.
5. Ginger. Ginger is a spice that has gained much notoriety as an anti-nausea/anti-motion-sickness herb. But like other herbs with blood thinning actions, ginger may increase the risk of excessive bleeding or exaggerate the effects of anti-clotting medications.
6. Ginkgo. The traditional Chinese herb Ginkgo biloba may well be the most widely used herb in the world. One of ginkgo's main uses as a safe, effective way to increase blood flow. This is proving very useful in some types of dementia but also means that ginkgo may increase the risk of post-surgical bleeding or increase the action of anti-clotting medications.
7. Ginseng. Ginseng is about as close to a "cure-all" as herbal medicine gets. Its very name, Panax ginseng, gives us the word panacea--"a remedy for all ills". Like other herbs of its kind, though, ginseng may increase bleeding, especially when combined with anti-clotting medications. Ginseng may also increase blood pressure.
8. Goldenseal. Goldenseal may be unfamiliar to people North America but here in the U.S., it's immensely popular. It's used to treat upset stomach, menstrual disorders, some types of infection and more. Despite its extensive use as an herbal remedy, though, goldenseal has not been studied scientifically for potential interactions. In theory, goldenseal could raise blood pressure and interfere the with the prescription medication heparin.
9. Kava-Kava. Kava has taken something of a beating in the press lately and some herbal texts have actually removed references to it altogether. Whether kava was ever really as dangerous as it was made out to be or not; the truth is that this South Pacific herb can dramatically increase the action of some anesthetics and some anti-seizure medications.
10. Licorice Root. Used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is used to treat stomach ulcers, coughs and sore throat. But it may also contribute to liver damage, high blood pressure and inflammation. It may also interfere with the body's ability to maintain its electrolyte balance.
11. Saw Palmetto. Saw palmetto has seen more than its share of publicity lately, especially in regards to its ability to effectively relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate. While saw palmetto is generally considered safe for many men, it does work by influencing hormone levels and may prove troublesome if used with other hormone treatments.
12. St. John's Wort. St. John's wort, named of the biblical figure St. John the Baptist, is a tiny flowering herb long-prized as a natural anti-depressant. Unfortunately, it is also among the best-documented herbs in respect to its ability to interact with a variety of other herbal remedies and mainstream prescription medications. Of special note is St. John's ability to completely negate the effect of some HIV/AIS medications and its potential to exaggerate the effect of some anesthetics.
13. Valerian. Valerian is used primarily to ease stress, relieve insomnia and relax muscles. So it should come as no surprise that valerian may also exaggerate the effect of surgical anesthetics and some of the most common drugs used to treat seizures.
Of course, only a licensed medical professional is qualified to give you medical advice so if you have any questions about this list of 13 herbs to avoid if you're having surgery, talk to your primary care physician for more information.
References:
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (2003). What You Should Know About Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia.
Wichtl, M. (2004). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Blumenthal, M. (2003). The American Botanical Council Clinical Guide to Herbs.
