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Undergoing surgery, whether elective or necessary, can be a daunting and taxing experience for both body and mind. I have had numerous conversations with patients seeking support around surgical healing, and had to go through major surgery myself this fall. It was no fun, but I learned a lot - and am still learning! I am committed to supporting the people I work with at Pellegrino, but also feel that initiating an expanded conversation with the wider community around this subject is clearly needed.
While modern medicine has made significant advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care, a holistic, integrative approach to pre- and post-surgical care can truly go beyond the status quo, and enhance your body’s ability to recover.
As a clinical herbalist, I want to share the importance of simple, yet intentional actions you can take to support your body before and after surgery. A focus on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, preventing complications like excessive scar tissue formation, supporting your emotional body, and maximizing your immune function are top of the list. In some cases, such as with cancer patients, it's critical to support immune surveillance to reduce the risk of cancer spread or recurrence, as the body is particularly vulnerable to low immunity during the post-operative period.
Pre- and Post-Surgery: The Body's Vulnerability
The body’s healing process after surgery is complex, requiring the coordination of many systems. During recovery, your natural defenses may be compromised, as the body expends a great deal of energy repairing tissue and combating infection. Anything that boosts the immune system should not only be incorporated postoperatively, but also in the months leading up to surgery.
After surgery, inflammation naturally increases as part of the healing process, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can have negative long-term effects, leading to complications. Chronic inflammation is a driving force behind many diseases, including cancer and cancer metastasis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. For all of these reasons, reduction of inflammation BEFORE surgery is essential.
The good news is that there are many things within an integrative model of care that can help the body strengthen itself, even at its most vulnerable, promoting quicker healing and better long-term outcomes. Let’s explore how a handful of herbs, supplements, and other therapies can optimize recovery.
Herbs and Supplements to Consider Before & After Surgery
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), often called the "mushroom of immortality," is an adaptogen known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Reishi helps to regulate inflammation, protect tissues from oxidative damage, and enhance immune function, all of which are important pre and post surgery. On an emotional and spiritual level, reishi is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to calm the “shen” which roughly translates to the energy that resides in a person’s heart. Some might call this “spirit” or “soul”. Incorporating emotional support is an important aspect of any healing process, and particularly beneficial for postoperative patients who often experience feelings of depression or anxiety. It can benefit those who are worried about having surgery too, lowering stress and anxiety going into the procedure.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory compounds available. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and help regulate the body’s inflammatory response post-surgery. Energetically, turmeric brings warmth. It increases circulation, which helps with wound healing and enhances digestion. We don’t normally equate good digestion with post operative healing, however it is actually crucial, as the body depends on a variety of healing nutrients found in foods for tissue healing. The only way they can be utilized though, is if your digestion is strong enough to break down and absorb them.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a critical role in collagen production, wound healing, and immune function. By boosting collagen synthesis, Vitamin C helps repair damaged tissue, which is essential for healing after surgery. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative damage and inflammation that could slow recovery. Getting sufficient vitamin C through your diet before and after surgery is most beneficial, but if that isn’t possible, supplementation is a good idea.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and the formation of excessive scar tissue. They can also help improve blood flow by reducing blood viscosity and supporting the function of blood vessels. Enhanced circulation can speed up the delivery of essential nutrients and immune cells to the site of injury, facilitating faster and more efficient healing - so supporting circulation in the months leading up to surgery makes a lot of sense.. Finally, omega-3s support brain health and mood regulation, so they hit a lot of marks.
Arnica
Arnica (Arnica montana) is well-known for its ability to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain. It has anti-inflammatory and tissue healing properties, and can be taken orally or applied topically as a gel or cream. Arnica is especially helpful in the days immediately before and after surgery.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that supports joint health and cartilage repair. While it is commonly used for osteoarthritis, glucosamine can also help support the healing of tissues that have been affected by surgery, particularly in the case of musculoskeletal surgeries. It promotes the regeneration of cartilage and connective tissues like ligaments and tendons, helping to prevent joint stiffness and improving flexibility as healing progresses. Incorporating this supplement for a few months after surgery may improve your overall quality of life.
Tailored Herbal Extracts: A Personalized Approach
While individual herbs can be beneficial, one of the greatest strengths of working with a clinical herbalist is the ability to create personalized herbal formulas and get therapeutic dosing information. These formulas can be tailored to your specific constitution, health history, and surgery type. Herbal extracts can address multiple factors simultaneously, such as:
Inflammation
Immune function
Circulation and integrity of the vascular system
Antimicrobial and antibacterial support
Tissue repair and regeneration
Nervous system regulation
Mental health
Herbs like echinacea, gotu kola, astragalus, calendula, eleuthero, hawthorn, and licorice root are several that are often combined to enhance healing, but many others may be used depending on your specific needs and body constitution.
Complementary Therapies Pre & Post Surgery for Enhanced Recovery
In addition to herbal and nutritional support, several complementary therapies can greatly assist in the recovery process:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for building your body’s energy reserves pre-surgery, as well as managing symptoms that may result from surgery. It can reduce post-surgical pain and inflammation, increasing the flow of blood and energy (qi) through the body. Acupuncture can also balance the autonomic nervous system, which may be dysregulated after surgery due to stress, pain, and acute trauma. Leading up to surgery, a calm nervous system will benefit the mind and spirit too. Most people come away from an acupuncture appointment feeling especially at ease and relaxed. This is the nervous system state that promotes the release of healing hormones like oxytocin, a hormone that’s responsible for pleasure and connection. Who doesn’t want more of that?!
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage (MLD) is a gentle technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to flush anesthesia from the system, drain excess fluid, and reduce swelling after surgery. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience lymphatic congestion or those who are at risk for lymphedema following surgery.
IV Vitamin Infusions
For patients who struggle with nutrition following surgery or those who experience difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals, IV vitamin infusions can be an excellent way to provide essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Key nutrients such as Vitamin C, D, B vitamins, magnesium, and amino acids can be delivered in high doses to support immune function, tissue repair, and energy levels. IV infusions can also help hydrate the tissues, which is essential for optimal healing.
Take Charge of Your Journey
Taking a holistic approach to preparing for and recovering from surgery not only supports physical healing but also nurtures emotional and mental resilience - in other words, the WHOLE you. At Pellegrino Healing Center, you’ll find the resources you need to support all aspects of yourself. I’ve just described a handful of them, but there are many options. From the highest quality supplements and well sourced herbs to the compassionate therapists and cutting edge services, you can depend on us to care for you, and empower you in your choices. If you are unsure where to start, book an integrative medicine or herbal medicine consultation, and we can create a personalized plan that supports your unique needs.
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