Anticoagulant herbs?

[itslaura]

I'm having a biopsy of my breast done on Monday and the nurse asked me if I took any herbs. I told her triphala, which she didn't know about, then just told me that I shouldn't take any herbs for five days previous because they might affect my blood clotting. I figured I might not have to worry about any of the stuff I'm taking, but thought I'd check with you.

Supplements I've been taking: lecithin, triphala, bio zinc, cod liver oil gels, cal mag fizz or KAL cal mag fizz (on some days), and yeast flakes. I think that's it. Should I stop any of these? Anything else I should know? Thanks.

Just thought of the teas I've been drinking lately (any or all): Yogi Detox, peppermint, ginger or cinnamon.

[shelley]

Ginger is the only one you need to stop at least 3 days prior to surgery.

Ginger, garlic, onion, ginseng, licorice, astralagus, aspirin, cayenne, are all good blood thinners which is great during cleansing but bad prior to surgery.

If you can find some comfrey, that will speed up healing tremendously post-biopsy.

Good luck!!!

[Troy McClure]

Just to add to Shelley's excellent reply I would give the fish oils a rest too as they can thin the blood.

In any case not taking supps for a few days certainly won't hurt.