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The “natural products listed below may be beneficial for a variety of ailments, but THEIR USE AROUND THE TIME OF SURGERY MAY NOT BE DESIRABLE. Therefore, it is advisable to stop taking these products to avoid problems with surgery and anesthesia. If time permits, discontinue the use of these products TWO WEEKS prior to surgery and TWO WEEKS after surgery. Specific nutritional supplements that should be discontinued include:
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.
Used for Gl tract disorders. Overdose may cause severe hypothermia.
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.
Used for migraine headache prevention and for arthritis, rheumatic disease and allergies. May increase bleeding, especially in patients taking certain anticlotting medications.
Supplies important omega 6 fatty acid, DHA, and EPA, used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Has blood-thinning properties.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and cough/bronchitis. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice may cause high blood pressure, hypokalemia, and edema.
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.
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.
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.
Used as a sedative, hypnotic:, and antispasmodic in the GI tract. Relieves anxiety, nervousness, end insomnia. May Increase effects of sedative hypnotics,
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.
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: