Herbal medicines and surgery

It's important to tell your doctor if you take any herbal medicines before undergoing surgery.

This is because:

  • some herbal medicinesmight interfere with anaesthesia and other medicines used before, during or after procedures
  • some herbal medicines may interfere with blood clotting and blood pressure, whichmay increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery

Your doctor may thereforeadvise you to stop takingany herbal medicines during the weeks leading up to your operation.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018