Bilberry contains Anthocyanins, flavonoid compounds that improve visual acuity and are important in the treatment of eye disorders. Excellent antioxidant that strengthens capillaries and collagen. Has antiplatelet activity and may inhibit clot formation.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Used for Gl tract disorders. Overdose may cause severe hypothermia.

Dong Oual (Angelica sinensis)

The main application is in the relief of menstrual disorders and menstrual cramps. Often used to relieve menopausal symptoms. Active constituent  is coumarin derivatives, which may potentiate existing anticoagulant medications.

Immune system stimulant with anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects. Used as a prophylaxis for upper respiratory infections. Use of echinacea may impact the liver when general anaesthetic of certain other medications such as anabolic steroids or melhotrexate are used.

Feverfew (Tanacetum paithenium)

Used for migraine headache prevention and for arthritis, rheumatic disease and allergies. May increase bleeding, especially in patients taking certain anticlotting medications.

Fish Oil Capsules

Supplies important omega 6 fatty acid, DHA, and EPA, used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Has blood-thinning properties.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has vasodilatory, hypo­ cholesterolemic effects, and antiplatelet effects. May augment effects of coumadin, warfarin, and NSAIDs, causing abnormal bleeding time.

Useful as antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antinausean. Prophylactic for motion sickness and used to stimulate appetite. Useful for postoperative emesis. Use of ginger may alter bleeding time. Ginger may interfere with cardiac and anticoagulant medications.

Ginkgo Biloba

One of the oldest living tree species which can live up to 1000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet. Used as an antioxidant and circulatory stimulant. Used for treatment of Intermittent claudication, tinnitus, vertigo, memory enhancement and sexual dysfunction. Anticoagulant activity is 3X stronger than vitamin E.

Ginseng (Pansax ginseng/Psnax quinquefolium)

At least 3 different varieties: Asian, American, and Siberian. Improves physical and cognitive  performance, mood, or metabolism. An adaptogen and  an antioxidant.  Anticoagulant that may interact with cardiac, hypo/hypertensive medications and hypoglycaemic  agents.

Hawthorne (Crataegus laevigata)

The extract is used for is ability to potentiate the action of cardiac glycosides. Used in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, angina, and chronic congestive heart disease. Potentiates the actions of digitalis and other cardiac glycosides.

Sedative, analgesic, soporific, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic. Similar to the effects of benzodiazepines in treatment or anxiety. May potentiate CNS effects of barbiturates, alcohol, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and general anesthetics.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and cough/bronchitis. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice may cause high blood pressure, hypokalemia, and edema.

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)

Used in weight loss and energy products a natural amphetamine with powerful stimulant effects, More than 800 adverse reactions reported with the FDA. Causes hypertension, tachycardia,  cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Melatonin

A hormone selected by the pineal gland. Regulates many other hormones that are involved in controlling circadian rhythm. Used for jet lag, insomnia, and SAD (seasonal affective disorder). May potentiate CNS effects of barbiturates and general anesthetics.

Used to relieve menopausal symptoms. Activate  constituent includes coumarin derivatives, which may potentiate existing anticoagulant medications.

St. John’s Worth (Hypericum  perforatum)

Herb used as mild antidepressant, sedative, anxiolytic. May have a monoamine oxidase (MOA) inhibitory effect. Can interact with MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants. Many other drug interactions reported.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Used as a sedative, hypnotic:, and antispasmodic in the GI tract. Relieves anxiety, nervousness, end insomnia. May Increase effects of sedative hypnotics,

Vitamin E

Important fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Used In the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, age related degenerative diseases. Anticlotting benefits can prolong bleeding time.

‘Natural Viagra” that has MAO effects. Yohimbine is the agent extracted from the bark( of the yohimbe tree. The tree grows in African nation of Cameroon, Gabon, Zaire. Reported to  have both psychological and physical effects. Increases the potency of anaesthetics.

Medications To Be Avoided Before Surgery

The following drugs either contain aspirin and/or have undesirable side effects that may affect your surgery (abnormal bleeding and bruising). These  drugs  should be  avoided for two  weeks  prior  to  surgery. If you need to take something for the relief of minor pain, YOU MAY TAKE TYLENOL or another acetaminophen product. Please notify your surgeon if you are taking any steroid and/or medication for arthritis or currently taking any of below medication: