Community Magazine November 2003

18 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE s ” xc First the facts: Patients undergoing surgery use herbal remedies more frequently than the general population. 70% of herbal users did not disclose the use of herbal remedies to their doctors. There are 8 commonly used herbal remedies that were identified by the American Medical Association as poten- tial to cause adverse effects in patients undergoing surgery. The 8 herbs: echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ephedra, ginseng, kava-kava, St. John’s wort, valerian. In this article we will focus on 3 of these herbs. Echinacea used by 33% of herbal users. Benefits: Prevention and treatment of common cold, flu, specific for viral, fungal and bacterial infections of the upper respi- ratory tract. In short term use it stimulates the immune system to better fight infec- tion. The Risks: Long term use of more than 8 weeks there is a risk of suppressing the effectiveness of your immune system. What you should do: Discontinue taking echinacea as far in advance as possible before surgery. Ginkgo Biloba used by 18% of herbal users. In Brooklyn on East 5th Street, behind Shaare Zion, and in Deal all along Norwood Avenue, there are trees with small fan shaped leaves. It is from these leaves that ginkgo herbs are made. Benefits: Treatment of vascular disorders, alzheimers, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), and vertigo (dizziness). Risks: Ginkgo blocks platelet activity. There have been documented cases of spontaneous bleeding. What you should do: Discontinue taking ginkgo biloba at least 36 hours before any type of surgery. Garlic used by 15% of herbal users. Benefits: Used for the treatment of hyper- tension and as an “antibiotic”. It has been reported to lower blood levels of fat and cholesterol. It may lower blood glucose. Risks: Garlic is a more potent blocker of platelet activity than aspirin. This block- age of platelet activity results in prolonged bleeding. Garlics risks are compounded when garlic is used with other herbs or medicines that also interfere with blood clotting. What you should do: discontinue the use of garlic at least 7 days prior to surgery. Be aware of the compound effects of gar- lic with other medications. For more information about the risks associated with herbal remedies contact our office. Dr. Doueck has practiced restorative dentistry in the community for over 25 years and has taken over 1000 hours of advanced training. He is a clinical consult- ant to the Dental Advisor, a monthly publi- cation. He is certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. His Associate Dr. Alan Azrak is a specialist in Pediatric Dentistry. His associate Dr. Jack Kassab has advanced training in Family Dentistry. Herbal Remedies & Your Dentist The adverse affect of herbal remedies B Y : D R . J A C Q U E S D O U E C K D D S