Medications · Supplements
Turmeric / Curcumin Before Surgery
Turmeric supplements are hugely popular for joint and general health. But concentrated curcumin thins the blood, so the capsules (not the curry) are worth pausing before surgery.
The short answer
Why turmeric supplements matter before surgery
Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) can make platelets less sticky in concentrated supplement doses, which may increase bleeding during surgery. This is about the high-strength capsules and extracts, not the pinch of turmeric in your cooking.
When to stop
About 1–2 weeks before is the usual cautious window, and a bit longer if you may have a spinal or epidural. Keep enjoying turmeric in food; just pause the supplement when your team advises.
Frequently asked questions
How long before surgery should I stop turmeric?
High-dose turmeric or curcumin supplements are usually stopped about 1–2 weeks before surgery, as curcumin can reduce the blood's ability to clot. Confirm the timing with your team.
Can I still eat turmeric in food before surgery?
Yes: turmeric used as a spice in cooking is fine and isn't the concern. It's the concentrated curcumin supplements (capsules and high-strength extracts) that are paused before surgery.
Why is turmeric a blood thinner?
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can reduce platelet stickiness in supplement doses, which may add to bleeding during surgery: particularly alongside other blood-thinning supplements. The amount in food is far too small to matter.