10 Teas to Avoid If You’re Having Surgery

Some popular herbs, including those found in herbal teas, can interact with medications or affect blood coagulation, blood pressure, or heart rate. It’s best to check with your medical team about any herbal supplements and teas you consume before scheduled surgery. They may advise you to stop taking supplements or teas for up to three weeks prior to surgery to minimize the risk of complications.

1. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng is an herb used for energy and stress. Ginseng can impact platelet and clotting factors and affect insulin sensitivity. Taking ginseng prior to surgery might increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in people who take blood thinners. It may also lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in people fasting prior to surgery.

Experts typically recommend stopping ginseng for the two weeks before and after surgery.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger is commonly used for nausea. However, it can increase the risk of bleeding by interfering with the body’s blood clotting system. Some experts advise avoiding ginger supplements two weeks before and after surgery. However, there may be some role for ginger to help with postoperative nausea.

3. Ginkgo Tea

Ginkgo biloba leaf has purported benefits for brain health and circulation, but high-quality evidence to support its use is lacking. Ginkgo can interact with medications, including warfarin (a blood thinner), and can increase the risk of bleeding.

Because of the possible bleeding risk, experts may recommend stopping ginkgo three days to two weeks before surgery and until one week after surgery.

4. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric root has anti-inflammatory properties and can increase the risk of bleeding. It also interferes with an important metabolic pathway in the liver, resulting in potential drug interactions—including with several medications used in anesthesia. For these reasons, experts recommend avoiding turmeric two weeks before surgery.

5. Kava Tea

Kava is an herb derived from a pepper root that promotes relaxation. Because of its effects on the central nervous system, kava can interact with medications used for sedation. Experts recommend stopping kava from one day to three weeks before surgery.

6. St. John’s Wort Tea

St. John’s wort is a popular supplement for mood and menopausal symptoms. This herb carries a significant risk of medication interactions because it interferes with two major metabolic pathways in the liver and intestines.

It may prolong the effects of anesthetics, lower the effects of sedatives, and increase the risk of bleeding. It may also affect the enzyme that processes the blood-thinning medication warfarin, increasing the risk of blood clotting.

Experts recommend stopping St. John’s wort two to three weeks before surgery.

7. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea is a naturally sweet tea with anti-inflammatory properties used for sore throat and digestive health. With prolonged use, licorice can increase blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Experts recommend stopping licorice two to three weeks before surgery.

8. Ma Huang (Ephedra) Tea

Ma huang, also known as ephedra, a supplement used for appetite suppression and weight loss, can cause serious cardiovascular complications.

Since 2004, the FDA has banned ephedrine-containing supplements in the United States. However, the compound is still sometimes found in herbal tea preparations, particularly those purchased abroad.

Experts recommend discontinuing ephedra at least two weeks before surgery.

9. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a caffeinated beverage enjoyed for its energy-boosting effect and antioxidants. It may affect blood pressure and heart rate. Experts recommend stopping yerba mate two weeks before surgery. Consider tapering off slowly to avoid caffeine withdrawal.

10. Valerian Tea

Valerian tea is a popular sleep aid and relaxant that works on the same receptors as benzodiazepines. When taken over a prolonged period, stopping valerian suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Some experts may advise tapering valerian before surgery to prevent withdrawal symptoms and avoid interaction with sedative medications. However, some experts suggest that valerian may be continued, noting that people who took valerian experienced less cognitive dysfunction after heart surgery.

What Are the Risks of Herbal Teas With Surgery?

Herbal supplements and herbal teas contain various compounds that can impact the body in several ways:

• Increasing the risk of bleeding or blood clots by interacting with platelets or clotting factors
• Impacting the cardiovascular system, resulting in changes in blood pressure and heart rate and rhythm
• Interacting with other medications by changing their absorption and metabolism

Teas generally contain less of a compound than a concentrated supplement or extract, and in many cases, drinking herbal tea occasionally can have different effects than prolonged use. There is not much data to guide decisions about avoiding tea before surgery, but several teas contain herbal compounds that may pose a risk.

It’s best to discuss any herbal supplements or teas that you take with the surgical team and anesthesiologist prior to surgery for safety.

What About Non-Herbal Teas?

Non-herbal teas include white, green, and black tea. These come from the leaves of the tea plant and contain caffeine.

Caffeine can interact with some medications like ephedrine and adenosine, which may be given in the operative setting. Abruptly stopping caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a withdrawal headache.

Experts consider black and green tea likely safe to consume before surgery, though it may be advised to slowly taper your intake before surgery to reduce withdrawal risks.

Compared to tea forms, black and green tea extracts are concentrated forms, and may increase bleeding risk. When in doubt, talk to your surgeon and healthcare team.