Herbs to avoid.

These herbs should be stopped one week before surgery. Some of these supplements may affect your anesthesia, blood pressure, and/or bleeding. :

•Astragalus

•Ephedra

•Ginseng

•Vitamin E

•Ginkgo

•Feverfew

•Kava Kava

•Valerian

•St John’s Wort

Other things to avoid around surgery are Chinese Herbal Medicines and OTC diet pills. These should be stopped at least one week before surgery. Herbs that are safe to use around surgery:

•Arnica

•Vitamin C

•Vitamin A

•Ginger

•Bromelain**

**Bromelain can be useful for healing but do not take it if you are taking Coumadin® or if you need anticoagulant therapy, or are having a joint replacement. Ginger is useful for preventing motion sickness and post-operative nausea and vomiting. Try crystallized ginger, ginger ale, or ginger tea.