Herbal Supplement Users Need to Use Caution Prior to Surgery

Mohsen Motamedian is CEO of Total NutriCare, LLC, a company dedicated to holistic care. The number of people using herbal supplements to improve health continues to grow. According to the National Institute of Health, men and women spent close to $34 billion on alternative medicines and supplements in 2007. Close to 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children used herbal remedies or alternative therapies instead of traditional prescriptions.

Many people fail to realize they must avoid certain herbal and nutritional supplements for a few days or weeks prior to surgery. Some herbs and supplements make it harder for the blood to clot, and this slows healing and can lead to excessive bleeding. These supplements often include high levels of vitamin E and herbs like garlic, feverfew, and ginko biloba. Additionally, ginseng increases heart rate, and St. John's Wort increases blood pressure. 

For patients using nutritional or herbal supplements such as those offered by holistic nutrition companies like Total NutriCare, led by Mohsen Motamedian, it is important to be honest with medical professionals. Surgeons need to know about all supplements weeks before the surgery to prevent possible complications.