Before During and After Surgery - Rosha's Remedies, Herbal remedies for you and your pet

Herbal support for before, during and after SURGERY

By Rosha Roush

I decided to write on this because my mother is going in for surgery in a few weeks. Of course, my mother takes some of my herbal formulas and I had to tell her which ones to avoid taking for the next few weeks because they contain certain herbs that could thin the blood. If you have a surgery planned in the future, rest assure that there are many healing herbs that can make the event less stressful and the recovery smoother.

A combination of a nutritious diet, some strengthening herbs, and a vitamin and mineral supplement plan is recommended. The nutrients and herbs suggested below are designed to strengthen the body, build the blood, heal tissue, and increase the immune system. These recommendations are appropriate for any type of surgery. You should also check with your health care practitioner prior to surgery.

It's best to start your healing program about three to four weeks prior to surgery. If you don't have that much time before, you should start as soon as you find out you need the surgery.

Don't skimp on healthy food. "Nutrition before surgery is paramount." Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and foods high in Vitamins C and A. It is also important to get sufficient protein in the diet. High-quality protein, such as in fish, poultry, nuts, and seed is crucial because protein is required for tissue healing. However it is not recommended to change your diet drastically before your surgery - just eat a basically nutritious diet, low in fat and high in protein and vitamins.

Some of the most important surgery supplements are: Antioxidants: Vitamins A and C, Selenium and zinc. These nutrients can help reduce tissue damage after surgery. Deep red and blue fruits are potent antioxidants.

Before Surgery:

Echinacea (Augustiflia or Purpurea) - Stimulates the immune system and response, increasing the body''s ability to resist infections, especially the production of white blood cells. It is considered on the best blood cleansers and is called the king of the Blood Purifiers. It is a natural antibiotic. Contains Vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, iron, iodine, copper, sulfur and potassium.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus)- Stimulates the entire body energy to overcome stress, fatigue, and weakness. A tonic and strengthening Herb. Improves brain cell function and benefits the heart and circulation. Contains Vitamin A and E, B-complex, thiamin, riboflavin's, calcium and iron.

Goldenseal Root (Hydraastis canadensis) - Beneficial against viruses and infections. Has antibiotic properties. Contains vitamins A, C, E, F, and B-complex, Calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, sodium and zinc.

Horsetail (Equisetum aruense) - also known as Shavegrass to support wound healing because the herb is high in silica, which can help strengthen tissue. Essential for healing bones and keeping arteries clean. The silica in Horsetail seems to facilitate the use of calcium. Contains Silicon and selenium. Vitamin E, Pantothenic acid, PABA, copper, manganese.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaaceus) - can help stress, digestion and immune function.

Aromatherapy - Following your operation, you will most likely spend a night in the hospital. It may be impractical to make tea or take supplements in the hospital. Aromatherapy may be a good substitute - it's portable and safe and easy to use. You don't have to worry about these scents interfering with any drugs you're taking. These scents are both relaxing and have antidepressant effects. You can put a few drops on a hanky or cotton ball and sniff. If they'll let you try using a plug in aromatherapy diffuser.

Try scents like Neroli, Chamomile or Lavender

Postsurgery:

Help your body heal. It is recommended that for four to six weeks following the surgery, (as soon as your digestive system is strong enough) and the goal being to in wound healing and rebuilding strength and the immune system that vitamin C is very important now because it promotes healing. Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple would be very helpful because it can reduce postsurgical inflammation and help with digestion.

To speed healing of scars this combination works very well - Combine � teaspoon vitamin E oil, 3 teaspoons aloe vera gel or juice and 3 drop pure lavender essential oil. Blend well and apply several times a day. This can be applied as soon as the surgical dressings are removed. Check with your surgeon to make sure there are no contraindications.

Dealing with the aftereffects of anesthesia and pain relieving drug. The body does have the ability to detox on it's own, but processing medications can be very stressful on the liver. Liver cleansing herbs such as Milk Thistle, Burdock Root and Dandelion Root are good idea after getting home from the hospital. A mild cleansing and detoxification for two to three months following the surgery. You might want to refer to my column on Spring Cleaning.

Rebuilding with Herbs:

Astragalus - Helpful to rebuild the system and speed tissue healing.

Siberian Ginseng - good for rebuilding the body.

Reishi mushroom - Also good for rebuilding the body.

Using blood building herbs after surgery such as Fo-Ti or Dong Quai, help tonify the blood and bring nutrients and healing factors to the wound site.

Note: These herbs should not be used until one week after your operation. These herbs can relieve pain but can increase bleeding. Use with caution.

Herbs to avoid:

Avoid herb that have blood thinning effects such as Ginkgo Biloba, Red Clover, Alfalfa. Also avoid St. Johns Wort it dose not interact well with certain types of prescription drugs. Avoid Kava Kava for at least two week prior to undergoing elective surgery.