Article: Herbs Not to Take Before Hysterectomy

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Article: Herbs Not to Take Before Hysterectomy
I enjoy taking natural herbs for my health and wondered if its okay for me to continue taking them up until I go into surgery or not?

Good question!

Your pre-op medical team will want to know about all medications and herbs you are taking. Make a list of your daily/weekly medications and herbs to take with you.

Discuss all medications and herbs with your doctor and during your pre-op appointment.

Your surgery could be cancelled and rescheduled the day of your surgery if you have not disclosed herbs/meds to the physician and hospital staff as there are many that have adverse effects on your surgery.

We've also found a list of herbs that can affect surgery in an article in JAMA. (The Journal of the American Medical Association 2001;286:208-216)

In particular, this study looked at echinacea, ephedra (also known as ma huang), garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, St. John's wort, and valerian.

Echinacea may cause problems with immunity. No data on when to stop taking it
Ephedra increases heart problems and stroke. Stop at least 24 hours before surgery.
Garlic increases blood loss. Stop 7 days before surgery.
Ginkgo increases blood loss. Stop at least 36 hours before surgery.
Ginseng increases blood loss, low blood sugar. Stop at least 7 days before surgery.
Kava increases the effect of anesthesia unpredictably. Stop at least 24 hours before surgery
St. John's wort increases the effect of anesthesia and interferes with many/most other drugs. Stop at least 5 days before surgery.
Valerian increases the effect of anesthesia unpredictably and causes withdrawal symptoms. No data on when to stop.

When in doubt, discuss it with your doctor and stop taking herbs in plenty of time prior to your surgery.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.