Having Surgery? Doctors Say Avoid These 7 Teas

Tea is among the most popular beverages across the world people love to drink it in all situations. While you may not be thinking about your cup of tea as you go over your planned surgery with your doctor,

it is still important to know which ones to avoid. Even though herbal teas are natural, some may interact with medications and affect blood clotting, blood pressure, and post-op healing. And so, it is best to check with the doctor about what teas you can consume before scheduled surgery. Some may even advise you to stop drinking your favourite tea for up to three weeks prior to surgery to minimize the risk of complications.

Teas you may avoid before surgery

Ginger tea

While it is best known for helping with nausea and immunity, ginger tea helps boost your immune system. However, it can also spike clotting time. A few studies have actually shown that high doses of ginger can slow blood clotting, and so more research is needed to confirm the extent of its effects. In the meantime, make sure to tell your doctor if you are drinking ginger tea or taking a supplement that has ginger in it.

Chamomile tea

Known for having an anticoagulant effect, chamomile tea is extremely strong. It is rich in many bioactive compounds - especially coumarins, which can act as a blood thinner. Studies say that drinking three cups of strong chamomile tea daily may not impact the time it takes for blood to clot. But it still makes sense to exercise caution.

Ginseng tea

Ginseng is a wonderful herb to get and relieve stress. However, this root can impact platelet and clotting factors and affect your insulin sensitivity as well. So, drinking ginseng tea just before your surgery may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in people who take blood thinners. It can also lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in people fasting prior to surgery.

Turmeric tea

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which increases the risk of bleeding. According to studies, it can also interfere with an important metabolic pathway in the liver, which can result in potential drug interactions, including several medications used in anesthesia.

Green tea

Even though green tea is not herbal tea, it is a supplement loaded with catechins, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Green tea also interacts with a few medicines, which include those that lower cholesterol levels and reduce arthritis inflammation.

St John’s Wort Tea

St John’s Wort is an extremely popular supplement that helps enhance menopausal symptoms. The herb carries a significant risk of medication interactions since it can interfere with two major metabolic pathways in your liver and intestines. Doctors say it can prolong the effects of anesthesia, lower the effects of sedatives, and increase the risk of bleeding. It can also affect the enzyme that processes the blood-thinning medication warfarin, increasing the risk of blood clotting.Also read: Tea Boosts Health and Longevity - But How and When You Drink It Matters

Licorice root tea

A naturally sweet flavoured tea with anti-inflammatory properties is used to relieve a sore throat and improve digestive health. If used for a long time, licorice can increase blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Mostly you may be recommended to stop having licorice tea two to three weeks before your surgery.