A large number of people use natural herbs for various medical problems. Although natural herbs are supposed to enhance immune system, they may prove dangerous in some situations.

A study in February's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), states that many of the so called harmless herbs may cause dangerous side effects during plastic surgery.

Usually when a patient is asked by a doctor about his medication before a surgery it is often assumed by the patient that these herbal products are harmless and thus fail to  mention them to the doctor.

Substances often used by patients are:-

Chondroitin is one substance which is often used to treat osteoarthritis. People using chondroitin may suffer from bleeding complications during surgery, particularly when used in combination with doctor-prescribed blood-thinning medications.

Ephedra is used for asthma and bronchitis. It is now banned in US for its complications such as raised BP, palpitation, heart attacks.

Echinacea is often used for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as chronic wounds, ulcers and arthritis. However, it can trigger immunosuppression, causing poor wound healing and infection.

Glucosamine, often offered in conjunction with chondroitin, contains chemical elements that mimic human insulin, and may artificially cause hypoglycemia during surgery.

Other common supplements taken by patients that may cause dangerous side effects included gingko biloba, goldenseal, milk thistle, ginseng, kava and garlic.