Can I take turmeric and ginger before surgery?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Medical professionals universally advise against taking herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger before surgery due to their demonstrated anticoagulant properties. Failing to discontinue these supplements can increase the risk of excessive bleeding, potentially leading to surgical complications and recovery delays.

Quick Summary

Taking turmeric and ginger before surgery can pose a serious bleeding risk during and after the procedure. Because these supplements slow blood clotting, doctors advise patients to stop consumption, typically two weeks prior, to ensure a safer surgical outcome.

Key Points

Stop Two Weeks Before Surgery: Most medical professionals recommend discontinuing turmeric and ginger supplements at least 14 days before a scheduled procedure.
Increased Bleeding Risk: Both turmeric and ginger can inhibit blood clotting, significantly increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
Inform Your Doctor: Always provide your surgical and anesthesia team with a complete list of all medications and supplements you take.
High Doses are the Primary Concern: The risk is highest with concentrated supplements; however, high dietary intake should also be moderated closer to surgery.
Monitor for Interactions: Both herbs can interact with other drugs, including prescribed blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially causing complications.
Post-Surgery Resumption: Do not resume taking turmeric or ginger until your doctor gives you explicit clearance, as they need to ensure the initial bleeding risk has passed.
Dietary vs. Supplemental: The effects and risks of consuming small amounts of these spices in food are different from those of taking concentrated, high-dose supplements.

Why Turmeric and Ginger Pose a Risk Before Surgery

Both turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, but their effects on blood clotting present a risk before surgery. Interfering with the body's ability to clot blood can lead to excessive bleeding during and after the operation.

The Antiplatelet Effect

Compounds in turmeric and ginger can inhibit platelet aggregation, which is essential for blood clot formation. By affecting this process, these herbs can slow down clotting, increasing bleeding risk.

Delayed Coagulation

Studies indicate that curcumin, found in turmeric, can prolong blood coagulation times. This broader impact on the clotting process makes it more challenging for surgeons to control bleeding.

Recommended Timeline for Cessation

Medical teams consistently advise patients to stop herbal supplements before surgery.

General Rule: Stop turmeric and ginger supplements at least two weeks (14 days) before surgery.
Why Two Weeks?: This period helps ensure the supplements' effects on blood clotting have diminished.
Food vs. Supplements: High-dose supplements are the main concern, but limiting even culinary amounts is prudent closer to surgery. Always follow your doctor's specific guidance.

Other Herbal Supplements to Avoid

Many other herbs and vitamins can interfere with blood clotting or anesthesia. Always inform your medical team about all supplements you take.

Garlic: May increase bleeding risk.
Ginkgo Biloba: Can prolong bleeding time.
Ginseng: Another supplement that can affect bleeding time.
Fish Oil/Omega-3s: Can thin the blood.
Vitamin E (high doses): Also has anticoagulant properties.
Feverfew: Can inhibit platelet function.
St. John's Wort: May interact with anesthesia.

Comparing Risks: Turmeric vs. Ginger

Both herbs increase bleeding risk, though through slightly different mechanisms and with other potential considerations.


Feature	Turmeric (Curcumin)	Ginger
Primary Blood-Thinning Mechanism	Inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, prolongs aPTT and PT.	Inhibits thromboxane synthase and platelet-activating factor.
Primary Risk Before Surgery	Increased bleeding and bruising.	Increased bleeding and bruising.
Potential Drug Interactions	Can interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and diabetes medications.	May interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and diabetes medications.
Other Surgical Concerns	Possible liver injury with high-dose curcumin supplements.	Mixed evidence on anti-platelet effect; dose and form dependent.
Food vs. Supplement	High-dose supplements carry significant risk; food amounts less so but still advised against closer to surgery.	High doses of supplements are of concern; evidence is equivocal with lower doses and different forms.

What to Discuss with Your Doctor

Transparency with your medical team is vital. Provide a complete list of everything you take, including:

Specific product names and dosages.
Other supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications.
How long you've been taking them.
Any existing health conditions like bleeding disorders or liver problems.

Resuming Turmeric and Ginger After Surgery

Do not restart supplements immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe, typically after the initial bleeding risk has passed. While turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects might help healing, this must be decided with your doctor's approval.

Conclusion

Due to their blood-thinning effects, turmeric and ginger should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery to avoid excessive bleeding. Always discuss all your supplements with your healthcare team to ensure a safe procedure and recovery. Consult a healthcare professional for specific guidance before stopping any medication or supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to stop taking them because both have anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties that can interfere with your body's natural blood clotting process. This can lead to excessive bleeding during and after the surgical procedure, increasing the risk of complications.

The standard recommendation from most healthcare professionals is to stop taking turmeric and ginger supplements at least two weeks (14 days) before your scheduled surgery. This allows enough time for the active compounds to leave your system.

Small, culinary amounts are generally considered less risky than concentrated supplements. However, it is still best to inform your doctor about your diet. As the surgery date approaches, it is safest to limit or avoid even dietary amounts to ensure there is no effect on blood clotting.

No, you should not take these or any other supplements after surgery without explicit medical clearance. While they have anti-inflammatory benefits, a doctor must determine when it is safe for you to resume, which is typically several days later once the risk of bleeding has subsided.

If you forget or fail to stop taking these supplements, you must immediately inform your surgical team. They may need to postpone your surgery, order additional lab work to check your blood clotting time, or take other precautions to ensure your safety.

Yes, many other supplements can pose a risk. Common examples include garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, fish oil, and high-dose Vitamin E. Always provide your doctor with a comprehensive list of everything you are taking.

Yes, the advice to stop herbal supplements with known anticoagulant properties before surgery is a standard and widespread medical practice. The specific timing may vary slightly based on the type of surgery and your health, but the precaution is consistent.