Herbal Healing

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007 to MARKETSPACE > Home Recovery

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Recovery after surgery doesn't have to be drawn-out. Natural medicine may speed up the healing. Anita Catalano reports.

Not that long ago herbal remedies were used by aging hippies and the frustrated few who had lost all faith in modern medicine.

Now, a growing number of Americans are turning to herbal supplements to treat everything from the common cold to helping their body heal after surgery.

An estimated 80 million people in the US take some form of herbal remedies. In fact, Americans spent more than $5 billion on herbal products last year. While many people are adopting the healthy idea of combining alternative therapies with conventional medicine, doctors warn patients should reveal their intake of vitamin and herbal supplements when considering surgery.

A recent study found that 7 out of 10 patients never tell their doctors what supplements they are taking. Most believe because they are natural they are safe. But scientific research has discovered that some herbal supplements may actually be detrimental to a patient's health. Some supplements may prolong bleeding or cause fluctuations in heart and blood pressure.

Detrimental Herbs

Before surgery consult your doctor. The following list, provided by David Rahm MD, director and founder of The Wellness Center, Long Beach, CA, is a guide to some of the adverse side effects of a number of supplements.

St John's Wort: Can prolong the effects of some narcotic drugs and anesthetics.

Kava kava and Valerian: Should not be used with other sedatives.

Gingko biloba: Can reduce platelet activity and has an anticoagulant ability considered to be three times stronger than Vitamin E.

Vitamin E, ginger, garlic, cayenne and bilberry: May inhibit the formation of clots and prolong bleeding following surgery.

Ginseng: Associated with hypertension and rapid heartbeat.

Echinacea: Can affect liver enzymes during general anaesthesia.

Helping herbs

Around 40 million Americans undergo inpatient surgery each year according to the National Center for Health Statistics. For many, the experience is traumatic for both body and mind. Healing after surgery requires the body to create new blood vessels and tissue and repair injured tissue.

This complex process can be assisted with a number of various herbs, which can strengthen the body, build the blood, heal tissue and increase immune function.

It's best to undertake a program of a nutritious diet, strengthening herbs and vitamin and mineral supplements about three or four weeks before surgery.Some of the most important pre-surgery supplements are antioxidants: vitamins A and C, selenium and zinc. These nutrients can help reduce tissue damage following surgery One of the more popular herbal supplements used by cosmetic surgeons for their patients is Bromelain.

Bromelain, an enzyme found in raw pineapple, works as an anti-inflammatory.

"During the inflammatory process one of the things that happens is certain cells release compounds which further cause inflammation:' said Dr Rahm,"Bromelain inhibits the release of one of these compounds, therefore cuts down on bruising."

Another recommended supplement to assist in reducing inflammation is Arnica Montana The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin, this is a potent antioxidant and performs many functions in the body:Vitamin C is vital in healing after surgery This important vitamin assists in regulating tissue damage and speeds recovery from surgery,wounds and injuries.It also plays a major role in boosting the immune system.

Vitamin A: Also known as retinol, Vitamin A has a number of healing properties, which are beneficial to healing after surgery. Vitamin A has an important role in healing wounds, warding off infections and building the immune system. It improves vision and promotes healthy skin and teeth. Pregnant women should not use Vitamin A. It should also only be used for short periods.

Warning: Before embarking on any herbal supplement program, professional advice must be sought.

Add Comment

To discourage SPAM, we ask that you type your code (displayed below) in the text box.

Your Code:
Enter Code:	*