SUPPLEMENTS TO DISCONTINUE BEORE & AFTER SURGERY Nowadays, many patients are taking nutritional supplements in increasing amounts. While generally beneficial and safe, their use around the time of surgery may not be desirable. Certain nutritional supplements may cause adverse reactions during or after surgery, including: prolonged bleeding, interference with anesthesia, cardiovascular disturbances, and interactions with prescription drugs. To ensure surgical safety, please discontinue the use of the following nutritional supplements, two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) cardiovascular system including hypertension, Contains compounds called anthocyanosides, Stimulates the digestive system and helps rapid heart rate, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle and flavanoid compounds that strengthen blood relieve motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. inflammation) and abnormal heart rhythm. vessels, improve circulation and can be useful Use of ginger may alter bleeding time and in treating eye disorders. Bilberry can affect interfere with cardiac and anticoagulant Melatonin blood cells called platelets and may increase medications. A hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland bleeding. located in the brain. Since melatonin controls Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) the body's sleep-wake cycle, it is often used to Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) One of the oldest living tree specimens and one counteract sleeplessness and jet lag. Melatonin Also known as red pepper, cayenne lowers of the best researched herbal medicines. Ginkgo may potentiate the central nervous system levels of cholesterol in the blood, which can biloba improves blood circulation by effects of barbiturate drugs (produce relaxation help to lower blood pressure. Cayenne may strengthening the vascular system and inhibiting and sleep) and general anesthetics. affect platelets, and an overdose can cause platelet aggregation. Ginkgo is also used to help significant drop in body temperature. prevent mental deterioration in the elderly. Red Clover (Trifolium pretense) Ginkgo has significant blood-thinning activity An herb that is a rich source of which is three times stronger than Vitamin E. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) isoflavones and used to treat a number of

An all-purpose women's herb used to provide conditions associated with menopause. (Panax quinquefolium/Panax energy and regulate female hormones. An active Ginseng An active constituent in Red Clover includes ginseng) Ginseng is a so-called adaptogen constituent in Doug Quai is a coumarin-like coumarin derivatives, which may potentiate (increases physiological resistance to stress) and compound, which may increase existing an antioxidant. Commonly taken to enhance existing anticoagulant medications. anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications. physical and cognitive performance. Ginseng acts as an anticoagulant and may interact with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Echinacea (Echinacea augustfolia) cardiac, high-blood pressure medications and An herbal medicine used to treat mild to moderate Used to boost the immune system and for blood-glucose lowering medications. depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). infections of the respiratory tract. Echinacea Since St. John's Wort works like the may negatively affect the liver when general Hawthorne (Crataegus laevigata) antidepressants called monoamine oxidase anesthetics or certain other medications are Hawthorne is used for deteriorating heart (MAO) inhibitors, it may react with these drugs. used. function and may be helpful for angina, In addition, many other drug interactions have arterioslcerosis and some mild types of been reported with St. John's Wort. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). From the Latin word, febrifuge, which means Hawthorne can enhance the effects of the heart Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) fever-reducing, the herb is used mainly to treat medication digitalis (Lanoxin and Digoxin). Valerian eases insomnia, stress-related anxiety migraine headaches. Feverfew may increase and nervous restlessness. Valerian is a sedative bleeding, especially in patients taking certain (Piper methysticum) herb and may increase the side effects of other blood-thinning medications. Kava Kava Kava root preparations reduce stress-related anti-anxiety medications or prescription anxiety and the effects of anxiety disorders. painkillers. Fish Oil Kava kava may potentiate the effects of The Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in medications including: barbiturates, alcohol, Vitamin E fish oil are beneficial for lowering blood antidepressants, antipsychotics, and general Vitamin E is fat soluble vitamin that is a strong pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels anesthetics. antioxidant and may protect cells from free- and reducing the risk of heart disease. Fish Oil radical damage. This nutrient may play a role in has blood-thinning properties which can be the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular problematic during surgery. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Traditionally used for coughs and as a soothing disease and other aging-related degenerative remedy for the skin. Glycyrrhizic acid in real disorders. Vitamin E also has anti-clotting Garlic (Allium sativum) licorice may cause high blood pressure, lower activity that can prolong bleeding time during Used therapeutically to prevent and treat potassium levels in the blood and enhance surgery. artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and tissue swelling (edema). elevated cholesterol. Garlic may augment the Yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe) effects of blood-thinners like Coumadin* As a natural "Viagra*", yohimbe is touted as a (Ephedra sinica) (warfarin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Ma Huang sexual stimulant and as a potential treatment drugs (NSAIDs) causing abnormal bleeding More widely known as ephedra, the herb was for male impotence. Yohimbe can raise the time. found in weight loss and energy supplements heart rate and blood pressure, and increase until it was banned by the Food & Drug the potency of anesthetics. Administration (FDA) in 2003. Although some products have substituted ephedra with bitter orange, both herbs have similar effects on the