Plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years across the globe to treat numerous ailments. Often referred to as “herbs”, these plants have various chemicals that can influence the body in many different ways. While not as mainstream in developed Western countries, many undeveloped countries rely on herbs as their primary source of medicine.
As modern Western science works to study herbs from a medicinal perspective, discoveries are made that change our understanding of the benefits and effects of herbs on our bodies. Herbs can be a great supplement to your health care routine, but great care must be taken before incorporating herbs into your lifestyle. Some herbs have effects that could be potentially dangerous in certain situations, such as during surgeries.
Let’s explore 4 common herbs that you should talk to your doctor about before surgical procedures.
Ginger
A common ingredient in many foods, Ginger can be easily found in most supermarkets and grocery stores. Ginger originally comes from Asia where it has been used medicinally for thousands of years, especially in China₍₁₎. Commonly used as a remedy for nausea in over-the-counter products, Ginger also has a popular belief amongst healthcare professionals that it may cause excessive bleeding during surgeries. Although studies have yet to confirm this belief, often showing conflicting results₍₂₎₍₃₎, it is still recommended to exercise caution with your Ginger consumption as your surgery draws near.
Garlic
Another herb prevalent in many culinary dishes is Garlic. Pungent and delicious, Garlic has been used as food and for health purposes across many different parts of the world and periods and is commonly used now as a supplement to cardiovascular health₍₄₎. As with Ginger, Garlic could increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you’re already on blood thinners₍₄₎. Something to keep in mind if you’re preparing for surgery.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a tree whose leaves are typically used in Chinese medicine for memory improvement, among other things. It has seen an increase in popularity in the West in recent decades where it’s commonly used as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions₍₅₎. Although there’s no conclusive evidence for any of the reported health benefits, and it’s generally believed to be safe to consume in moderate amounts, doctors recommend caution when taking Ginkgo before surgeries as it could also have undesirable effects that cause complications during the surgery.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another herb that hails from the Far East with a long history of use for a variety of benefits. Famous in Chinese medicine for its many purported health benefits, Asian Ginseng is another herb that may have interactions with medications, including blood thinners₍₆₎. Although it may not seem as common as the other entries on this list, Ginseng can be an ingredient in many energy drink formulas. Take caution as your surgery date approaches and examine your lifestyle to determine if you may be unknowingly consuming Ginseng.
Herbs are wonderful and can be used safely as a supplement to healthy behaviors and medical care. If you are interested in supplementing your lifestyle with herbs, be sure to discuss the matter with your doctor to determine any potential interactions with medications or contraindications with health conditions you may have. While it is true that not all doctors have experience or education with herbs, it’s still important to have these discussions to avoid any unintended consequences.
Sources
(1): NIH. “Ginger”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Dec. 2020, nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
(2): Marx W, McKavanagh D, McCarthy AL, Bird R, Ried K, Chan A, Isenring L. The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Platelet Aggregation: A Systematic Literature Review. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 21;10(10):e0141119. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141119. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2015;10(11):e0143675. PMID: 26488162; PMCID: PMC4619316. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26488162/
(3): Hatfield J, Saad S, Housewright C. Dietary supplements and bleeding. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2022 Sep 15;35(6):802-807. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2121575. PMID: 36304597; PMCID: PMC9586694. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36304597/
(4): NIH. “Garlic”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Dec. 2020, nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic
(5): NIH. “Ginkgo”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aug. 2020, nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo
(6): NIH. “Ginseng”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aug. 2020, nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng
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