Aspirin is one of the most common over-the-counter drugs that’s used as a quick pain reliever. However, this drug is capable of doing more than just easing a headache.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, you can use aspirin to solve a wide range of problems. Some of these benefits and uses are almost unimaginable.
From preventing heart attacks and strokes to treating acne, here are some of the uses of aspirin.
1. Treats acne
If you don’t want to spend thousands on these products, you can use aspirin to treat breakouts. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is a common ingredient in spot treatments. For that reason, it reduces redness and swelling and exfoliates the pores removing impurities that can cause breakouts.
How to use
- Crush 5 aspirins and mix them with 1 cup of water and a teaspoon of honey.
- Apply the mixture and leave it for 10 minutes
- Wash off and moisturize
2. Controls dandruff
Aspirin act as an exfoliant for the scalp to remove dandruff as it does with acne. This removes the dry flakes from the hair easily. It also controls the production of sebum.
How to use
- Dissolve 2 aspirins in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- Massage it into your scalp and leave for 30 minutes
- Wash thoroughly
3. Prevents heart attacks
It’s not advisable to use this solution if you have any underlying issues. This is mainly helpful for adults between the age of 50 to 59 who have a high chance of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Consult your doctor to find out if it is ok to take the aspirin.
How to use
- Take two mild aspirins before bed every day
4. Treats piercing bumps
Piercing bumps appear due to inflammation and if left untreated, could lead to an infection and scarring. However, there’s an easy remedy in case you don’t have a cleaning solution. You can use an aspirin mixture to reduce swelling and irritation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin can soothe the affected area and help it heal faster.
How to use
- Mix 4 aspirins in a little water to form a paste
- Apply to the bump and leave it overnight
- Wash it off in the morning
- Repeat daily till the bump heals
5. Removes stains
Removing stains can be a painful process that sometimes doesn’t work. However, an aspirin solution can easily remove several stains like sweat, grass, eggs, and nicotine. The salicylic acid attacks compound found in these stains and breaks them down. You can use the solution to clean both clothes and surfaces.
How to use
- Crush 3 aspirins and mix in a half cup of warm water.
- Submerge the stained portion and leave it for a few hours.
- Remove and wash as usual.
6. Charges car battery
In case you stall your car in the middle of nowhere and don’t have any way to charge your car battery, putting aspirin in the battery could charge it up. It sounds bizarre but aspirin will react with the sulfuric acid in the battery to form acetic acid for a boost. However, this method reduces your battery’s lifespan so you shouldn’t do it regularly.
How to use
- Crush two aspirins for each battery cell,
- Drop in the battery and add water to fill it to the proper level.
7. Helps plant grow
Gardening is a great hobby that many have taken to. However, it can be frustrating especially if your plants don’t seem to be thriving. Plants produce salicylic acid as a defence when they’re stressed. This builds resistance against microbial attacks and drought. Therefore, aspirin could help your plants build resistance.
How to use
- Crush 1 aspirin and mix it in 4 litres of water
- Put it in a spray bottle
- Spray every three weeks throughout the growing season
You can also use aspirin to dry out pimples, remove sweat stains, restore hair colour and treat hard callouses.
