Seeking Alternatives to Aspirin for Surgery Recovery - #47916
I'm scheduled for flexor tendon (left pinky finger) repair surgery on January 22nd. Aspirin more than 3 tablets daily I risk tachycardia. I'm Rh- and have a history of odd reactions to drugs. The closer to the plant source a medication is the better I tolerate it. I'm looking for options because this is going to be a long recovery and taking Aspirin every day for 3 months to a year is not a happy thought.
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
SINCE YOU ARE SCHEDULED FOR FLEXOR TENDON REPAIR SURGERY AND HAVE A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO DRUGS RH- BLOOD TYPE AND RISK OF TACHYCARDIA WITH ASPIRIN IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPROACH RECOVERY WITH GENTLE NATURAL SUPPORT ALONG WITH SURGEON GUIDANCE
AYURVEDIC APPROACH CAN SUPPORT PAIN RELIEF REDUCE INFLAMMATION IMPROVE TISSUE HEALING AND SUPPORT NERVE FUNCTION WITHOUT USING ASPIRIN DAILY
SHALLAKI (BOSWELLIA SERRATA) 300 TO 500 MG TWICE DAILY AFTER FOOD WITH WARM WATER HELPS REDUCE INFLAMMATION JOINT AND TENDON PAIN AND SUPPORTS HEALING
ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA HALF TEASPOON TWICE DAILY WITH WARM MILK OR WARM WATER STRENGTHENS NERVES AND MUSCLES REDUCES STRESS AND IMPROVES OVERALL RECOVERY
GUGGULU TWO TABLETS TWICE DAILY AFTER FOOD WITH WARM WATER SUPPORTS METABOLISM REDUCES INFLAMMATION AND PROMOTES HEALING OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE
WARM SESAME OIL MASSAGE OF HAND AND FOREARM BEFORE SURGERY TO IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW AND TISSUE NUTRITION AFTER SURGERY FOLLOW PHYSIOTHERAPY AND GENTLE OIL MASSAGE AS ADVISED BY SURGEON
PROTEIN RICH DIET WITH DAL MILK EGGS OR CHICKEN FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR ANTIOXIDANTS AVOID EXCESS SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOODS
WITH CONSISTENT HERBAL SUPPORT BALANCED DIET LIGHT EXERCISE AND PHYSIOTHERAPY PAIN CAN BE MANAGED AND HEALING ACCELERATED ANY HERB OR SUPPLEMENT SHOULD BE SHARED WITH YOUR SURGEON TO AVOID INTERACTIONS AND ENSURE SAFE SURGERY AND POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY
Take manjisthadi capsul 2 bd
Aspirin in higher dose or long-term use can sometimes cause palpitations/tachycardia, acidity, gastric irritation and bleeding tendency, especially in sensitive individuals.
Since you are scheduled for flexor tendon repair surgery, it is important to understand:
⚠️ Do not stop or replace Aspirin on your own before or after surgery. Any blood-thinner or painkiller decision must be taken only with your surgeon/physician, because aspirin is sometimes prescribed for clot prevention.
However, for post-surgery pain, inflammation, healing and recovery support, you may use the following herbal supportive formulations (plant-based & generally well tolerated).
🌿 Ayurvedic / Herbal Supportive Prescription
1) Shalaki (Boswellia serrata)
Dose: 500 mg BD Timing: after meals → Natural anti-inflammatory, helps pain & stiffness
2) Guggulu Tablet
Dose: 1 tablet BD Timing: after meals → Reduces inflammation, supports tissue healing
3) Ashwagandha Arishta
Dose: 15 ml BD How to take: with equal water Timing: after meals → Strength recovery, reduces stress, improves healing response
4) Mahanarayan Oil (External application)
Apply gently around the forearm/hand area (only after surgery wound is healed and doctor permits massage) Frequency: 1–2 times daily → improves circulation, reduces stiffness, supports rehabilitation
⏳ Continue for 6–8 weeks post-op along with physiotherapy.
🥗 Diet for Faster Tendon Healing
✅ Include:
Warm soups, moong dal, khichdi
Ghee (1–2 tsp/day)
Milk (if digestible), almonds, dates
Turmeric in food (small quantity)
Plenty of protein (dal, paneer, eggs if non-veg)
❌ Avoid:
Fried, processed foods
Excess sugar
Smoking/alcohol (delays healing)
✅ Important Surgical Precautions
⚠️ Stop/avoid any herbs with blood-thinning action before surgery, unless surgeon allows:
Garlic supplements
High-dose turmeric capsules
Guggulu (sometimes)
Fish oil, gingko etc.
👉 Best advice: inform your surgeon about all supplements.
Since your surgery is on January 22nd, you must STOP all herbal supplements immediately. Most effective herbs are natural blood thinners and will increase bleeding risk during surgery.
Start these medicines only 7 days POST-surgery. Turmeric (Curcumin) - The Aspirin Alternative: Curcumin Capsules (500mg) or Haridra Khanda (1 tsp) twice daily.
Kaishore Guggulu: 2 tablets twice daily.
Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod): 1 tablet twice daily.
External Therapy (After Cast Removal) Murivenna Oil: Apply gently once the wound is healed and stitches are out.
Tell surgeons that you plan to use High-Dose Curcumin and Guggulu as your anti-inflammatory protocol post-surgery to avoid Aspirin-induced tachycardia.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
Well as you mentioned you are taking 3 tabs a day and also having less tolerance to drugs you should wait till your surgery is done.
Randomly shifting drugs may complicate things post surgery.
Dear friend You may take Manjistha in lieu of aspirin.
Hlo,
Long-term daily aspirin is NOT routinely required after flexor tendon repair unless prescribed for a separate cardiac or vascular reason. Many natural anti-inflammatories can increase bleeding and must be timed correctly. Always inform your surgeon about any supplement.
🌿 Safer Ayurvedic (Post-Surgery)
1. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) – Main anti-inflammatory ✔ Low gastric irritation ✔ Does not cause tachycardia ✔ Safer than aspirin for long-term use Dose: 400–500 mg capsule Twice daily after meals Duration: 8–12 weeks
2. Guduchi (Giloy) – Healing + immunity ✔ Supports tissue repair ✔ Very well tolerated in sensitive patients Dose: Guduchi satva: 500 mg twice daily OR Giloy kwath: 15 ml + 15 ml warm water, once daily
3. Ashwagandha (ONLY after wound healing starts – ~2 weeks) ✔ Nerve support ✔ Reduces stress, improves recovery ❌ Avoid immediately post-op if swelling is high Dose: 250 mg capsule at night after food
4. External application (Safe & Effective) - Mahanarayan Taila or Ksheerabala Taila (101) Apply very gently around (not on) surgical area Once daily after stitches are removed
❌ Avoid (Very Important) Do NOT use these in the first 4–6 weeks: Turmeric / Curcumin (internal) Guggul Garlic capsules Ginger capsules Fish oil (All increase bleeding risk)
🧊 Non-Drug Pain & Recovery Support Ice packs: 10 minutes, 2–3×/day Strict physiotherapy as advised (very important for tendon outcome) High-protein diet (dal, paneer, soaked almonds, pumpkin seeds)
🩸 About Your Rh-Negative Status Rh type does not affect pain medicines It matters only for blood transfusion, already managed by hospital
🔴 When to STOP & Seek Help Increased swelling, redness, warmth Palpitations or dizziness Unusual bleeding or bruising
Tq
Hello I get where you’re coming from. You’re recovering from flexor tendon surgery (Jan 22), can’t really tolerate aspirin because of tachycardia and drug sensitivities, and you’d like to stick with plant-based, Ayurvedic options instead. Let’s talk about what you can actually do at home to help your recovery along, without relying on aspirin.
YOUR CONCERN
- Flexor tendon repair - Aspirin triggers tachycardia if you take more than three tablets - Rh- blood group - Sensitive to lots of medications - You want plant-based or Ayurvedic alternatives
Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Something like aspirin, but Ayurvedic - Home remedies to speed up tendon healing - A recovery-focused diet
Ayurvedic Options for Healing After Surgery
Ayurveda doesn’t use aspirin, but it does offer some solid, plant-based ways to fight inflammation, boost circulation, and help tissues heal.
1. Internal Herbs and Rasayanas
- Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu): Great for inflammation and supporting tendon healing. Take a 250 mg tablet, twice a day after food.
- Ashwagandha: Helps with tissue repair, strength, and stress. Mix ½–1 teaspoon powder into warm milk or water once daily.
- Giloy: Boosts immunity, calms inflammation. Take 1 teaspoon of juice or powder in warm water daily.
- Triphala Churna: Good for detox and digestion. Take 1 teaspoon in warm water at night.
These are all plant-based and don’t thin your blood like aspirin.
2. External Oils for Massage
For swelling or stiffness in your finger: - Mahanarayan oil or Kottamchukkadi Taila: Warm the oil and gently massage around the surgery site (skip the actual incision until stitches come out). Do this 10–15 minutes, twice a day, to keep things moving and loosen up stiffness.
- Turmeric paste: A thin layer on the skin around (not on) the wound helps calm inflammation.
3. Home Remedies and Support
- Warm compresses: Around your finger (not on the incision), for about 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
- Gentle finger movements: Only after your surgeon says it’s okay, to keep things flexible.
- Rest: Don’t overuse your hand while it heals.
- Elevate your hand: Helps with swelling.
DIET PLAN
Focus on foods that calm inflammation and help your tissues rebuild.
INCLUDE - Protein: lentils, mung dal, moong sprouts, paneer, or eggs (if you’re okay with that) - Omega-3s: flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds - Veggies: carrots, spinach, beetroot, broccoli (for vitamins C and K) - Fruits: papaya, pomegranate, berries (good for collagen) - Whole grains: millets, oats, quinoa - Spices: turmeric, black pepper, ginger, garlic — all natural anti-inflammatories
AVOID - Fried, processed, or sugary foods (they ramp up inflammation) - Red meat or anything heavy if your stomach’s sensitive - Salty stuff (it can make swelling worse)
Drink plenty of water — at least 2–3 liters a day. Your body needs it to heal.
EXTRA AYURVEXIC SUPPORT
- Abhyanga: Daily self-massage with medicated oil can really help with stiffness and blood flow. - Pranayama or deep breathing: Good for stress and getting oxygen to your healing tissues. - Skip smoking, alcohol, and caffeine — all of these slow down healing and make inflammation worse.
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Thank you for sharing your concerns and your upcoming surgery in such detail I understand your sensitivity to medicines and your discomfort with the idea of long term aspirin use especially given your past reactions and heart related symptoms
From an ayurvedic clinical perspective your body clearly shows sensitivity and low tolerance to strong synthetic drugs and in such cases caution is always advised However after any surgery especially tendon repair the risk of clot formation inflammation and delayed healing must be taken very seriously
Ayurveda does support recovery healing circulation and inflammation control through gentle plant based support diet and lifestyle but it does not recommend replacing essential post surgical blood thinning medicines on your own Natural remedies alone are not sufficient or safe to prevent surgical complications
What can be done safely is to work in coordination with your surgeon and physician and explain clearly that aspirin causes tachycardia and adverse reactions in your body In many cases doctors can modify the dose shorten the duration or choose an alternative that your body tolerates better
From an ayurvedic supportive angle focus should be on improving circulation gently reducing inflammation supporting tissue healing and calming the nervous system through warm easily digestible food adequate hydration oil application to the body as advised after surgery gentle movements as per physiotherapy and stress free rest These measures help recovery and may reduce dependence on pain medicines but they do not replace blood thinners
Please do not start or stop any medicine without your doctors approval especially after surgery Your safety comes first Once the immediate post operative risk period is over ayurvedic support can play a stronger role in long term healing and rehabilitation
I recommend discussing all this openly with your medical team and if possible consulting an ayurvedic physician who can coordinate alongside them for a safe integrated recovery plan
Key Formulations - Yograj Guggulu: Traditionally used for musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and inflammation. - Kaishore Guggulu: Helps detoxify and reduce chronic inflammation in joints and tendons. - Mahayograj Guggulu: Strengthens muscles and connective tissues, often prescribed for long-term recovery. - Dashmool (ten roots combination): Anti-inflammatory and analgesic; supports tissue healing. - Balā (Sida cordifolia): Known for strengthening muscles and nerves, useful in rehabilitation.
Single Herbs - Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Reduces inflammation and supports joint/tendon repair. - Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Adaptogen that improves strength, reduces stress, and aids tissue regeneration. - Turmeric (Haridra): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; supports wound healing. - Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Immunomodulator that enhances recovery and reduces post-surgical inflammation. - Shatavari: Nourishing and cooling, supports tissue repair and balances Pitta.
🍲 Ayurvedic Diet: - Warm, easily digestible foods: Khichdi, soups, stews with ghee for tissue lubrication. - Protein-rich plant sources: Mung dal, lentils, soy, and milk (if tolerated). - Spices for healing: Turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander to reduce inflammation. - Avoid: Excessively cold, dry, or processed foods; they aggravate Vata and slow healing. - Hydration: Warm water or herbal teas (ginger, tulsi) to aid circulation and detoxification.
🧘 Lifestyle (Vihara) - Rest & immobilization initially: Prevents strain on the healing tendon. - Gentle physiotherapy later: Guided exercises to restore mobility. - Abhyanga (oil massage): With medicated oils like Mahanarayan Taila or Dhanwantharam Taila to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. - Yoga & Pranayama: Gentle breathing practices to reduce stress and improve oxygenation. - Sleep & stress management: Essential for tissue repair and immune balance.
HELLO,
A flexor tendon injury involves the tendons in your finger that allow it to bend. In your case, the left pinky tendons is injury and will be surgical repaired.
Tendons are strong bands of tissue, but they heal slowly because they have poor blood supply. After surgery , the main concerns are
1) PAIN AND SWELLING = due to surgery and inflammation
2) STIFFNESS= from immobilization
3) DELAED HEALING OR ADHESION FORMATION= if the tendon sticks to surrounding tissue
4) LOSS OF FUNCTION= if proper rehabilitation is not followed
TREATMENT GOALS Ayurveda sees tendon injuries as “Snayu damage” and inflamamtion as ‘Vata and pitta imbalance’ In the tissues. Treatment aims to -reduce inflammation -promote tissue regeneration -improve circulation and flexibility -strengthen surrounding muscles and ligaments -prevent stiffness, adhesions or delayed recovery
INTERNAL MEDICAITONS
1) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night for 3 months =strengthens tendons and muscle, reduces inflamamtion
2) LAKSHADI GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals for 3 months =anti inflamamtory, supports tendon and jonit healing
3) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp at nigh with warm water dail =antioxidants, detoxifies tissues, supports healing
4) SHALLAKI CAPSULE= 1 cap twice daily afte rmeals for 2 months =anti inflamamtory, improves blood supply to tendon
5) TURMERIC WITH WARM MILK OR GHEE= 1 tsp/day =reduces inflamamtion and oxidative stress
EXTERNAL TREATMENT PURPOSE= reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness, improve local circuulation
1) OIL MASSAGE= WARM MAHANARAYAN TAILA -gently massage the hand and forearm, avoiding surgical site until sutures are removed =improves circulation, reduces stiffness, nourishes tissues
2) HERBAL POULTICE -Dashmoola , Bala or Mahanarayan oil soaked in cloth -apply gentle warm poultice to fingers and hand for 10-15 min, once daily =reduces swelling and pain, supports tendon flexibility
3) TURMERIC + COCONUT OIL PASTE -can be applied after sutures are removed -mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -keep hand elevated to reduce swelling -avoid heavy lifting or stress on the pinky -maintain warmth to the hand and forearm ; cold slows healing -sleep well 7-8 hours, for tissue regeneration -stress reduction is important as stress worsens inflammation
YOGA AND PRANAYAM
YOGA= focus on gentle finger and wrist stretches after surgeons approval
PRANAYAM= helps improve circulation and reduces stress -Anulom Vilom= Balances Vata and pitta, reduces inflammation -Bhramari= reduces stress, improves healing hormone levels -Gentle hand and finger stretching exercises (post sutures) to maintain mobility
DIET -Emphasies warm, cooked food, avoid raw or cold foods -Include ginger, turmeric, ghee, sesame, almonds, milk, and soft cooked vegetables -Avoid= fried , processed, cold or very sour foods, which aggravate vata an delay tendon healing -Adequate protein (dal, protein, milk, nuts) supports tissue repair
HOME REMEDIES -warm sesame oil massage daily -turmeric + ghee orally or applied externally after wound healing -Gentle steam with herbs like dashmoola to reduce stiffness -use copper or brass water to improve tissue strength
Healing of tendons is slow and gradual; patience is key. Combining internal + external + diet + lifestyle and gentle exercises ensure faster and safer recovery Avoiding long term aspirin is possible with natural anti inflammatory support like shallaki, turmeric, etc
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
If your doctor has advised to stop aspirin for 3 mony then you will have to follow the instructions. From ayurvedic point of view you can then start with Turmeric tablet 1-0–0 after food with water Triphala guggul will help in healing. Mahamanjistadi kadha 15 ml twice daily after food with water. External application you can use jatyadi oil on surgery areas along with prescribed externally apply medication Avoid sour food. Avoid processed, junk ,fast foods. Include fresh green vegetables semi cooked sauted in your diet daily. Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins twice daily.

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