“Can natural health supplements like ashwagandha have a bad effect with anaesthesia?”
I am due for a biopsy and according to the doctors I will be given general anaesthesia and hence I need to stop all my health supplements a week prior to the biopsy. I have been consuming ashwagandha on a regular basis and I just read that Ashwagandha will have to be stopped 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Is it true? Is it okay if I stop the herb consumption one week before my biopsy?
5 Answers
I would follow the recommended guidelines
Hello,
Ashwagandha has two known effects that can interact with anesthesia care and have negative impact. This medication has an inherent trait of lowering blood sugar and lowering blood pressure. Please speak to your physician about this medication. We recommend that all herbs and supplements not to be taken the week before surgery.
Dr Ketch
Ashwagandha has two known effects that can interact with anesthesia care and have negative impact. This medication has an inherent trait of lowering blood sugar and lowering blood pressure. Please speak to your physician about this medication. We recommend that all herbs and supplements not to be taken the week before surgery.
Dr Ketch
It's OK to stop a week before biopsy. A lot of supplements can have interactions with surgical procedures and anesthesia and they should be stopped.
It is better to stop for two weeks
Ashwaganda can have an interference with other sedatives utilized during anesthesia. According to the manufactures guidelines they do recommend stopping the supplement two weeks prior to any surgery. To be on the safe side since it can have a sedative effect and the time period for it to clear your system is unknown, following the guidelines of 2 weeks seems prudent.
