10 Surprising Uses for Aspirin You Never Knew Existed

When it comes to a first aid box, one common medicine you can find in it is aspirin. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, as well as migraines and fevers. It is even used by doctors to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes and chest pain. In fact, aspirin given shortly after a heart attack reduces the risk of death.

It is true that aspirin is a bit of an overachiever. And besides treating pain and fevers, this magical over-the-counter medicine has many other uses. It can be used as a remedy for skin and hair problems as well as help ease household chores.

Here are 10 surprising uses for aspirin you never knew existed.

1. Treats Acne and Pimples

Aspirin can reduce the appearance of acne and pimples, which take away the beauty of your face.

The salicylic acid in aspirin helps reduce acne and pimples by removing oil and dead skin cells that are clogging them. It also aids in reducing inflammation, the root of redness and pain, two common symptoms of skin breakouts.

1. Crush 2 or 3 aspirin tablets and mix them with a little lemon juice or just pain water to form a paste.
2. Apply it to the acne or pimples.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing off thoroughly.
4. Repeat once daily.

2. Keeps Dandruff at Bay

Many people have dandruff problems. If you have dandruff and wish to get rid of it completely, try aspirin.

Aspirin contains salicylic acid that helps control dandruff by exfoliating your scalp. Salicylic acid skims the dry skin from your scalp, so that the flakes can be washed off when you shampoo your hair.

• Crush 2 or 3 aspirins into a fine powder and mix it with a blob of shampoo. Wash your hair with the mixture, massaging it onto your scalp. Leave it in for 5 minutes, then rinse and wash your hair again with a mild shampoo. Repeat 1 or 2 times a week.
• Alternatively, dissolve the 2 aspirins in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it in for 30 minutes, then wash your hair thoroughly. Use this dandruff treatment a couple of times per week.

3. Relieves Mosquito and Insect Bites

Whether you are bitten by mosquitos or other insects, aspirin can help relieve the symptoms.

Aspirin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively control swelling caused by mosquito and other insect bites. It can even provide comfort to skin redness, itchiness and a burning sensation sometimes caused by insect bites.

• Grind a few aspirins into a fine powder. Add a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• For minor bites, wet the affected skin and rub an aspirin over the bite.

Note: In case of a poisonous bug bite, consult a doctor immediately.

4. Treats Ingrown Hairs

An ingrown hair causes a lot of discomfort, which you can treat with aspirin. The salicylic acid in aspirin scrubs away dead skin to loosen the offending hair.

Its anti-inflammatory nature can help reduce redness and inflammation. It can also treat and prevent mild infection.

1. Dissolve 2 or 3 aspirin tablets in 1 teaspoon of warm water until it forms a paste-like consistency.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the paste.
3. Apply the paste to the affected area.
4. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with warm water and gently pat the skin dry.
6. Follow this remedy once or twice a week as needed.

5. Treats Nose Piercing Bumps

You can use aspirin to heal nose piercing bumps. The raised red bump usually develops due to infection and may eventually lead to scar tissue. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin will help reduce the swelling, redness and skin irritation caused by the nose piercing.

1. Mix 4 aspirin tablets with a little water to make a paste.
2. Apply on your nose piercing bump and leave it on overnight.
3. Rinse it off the next morning.
4. Do this daily for a few days until the infection clears.

Note: Make sure you also clean your nose piercing daily. This remedy may not work on a nose granuloma.

6. Reduces Keloids

Aspirin can also help reduce the size of keloids and help fade keloid scars, thanks to its salicylic acid content which helps break down the extra layer of keratin protein on the skin. This remedy works best on newly formed keloids as with time, they become stubborn and more difficult to treat.

1. Dissolve 4 aspirin tablets in a little lemon juice to get a paste.
2. Apply it on the affected area.
3. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, until the paste dries completely.
4. Wash it off and apply a little olive oil to soothe and moisturize the skin.
5. Do this twice daily for a few weeks.

7. Removes Calluses from Feet

Your regular aspirin can also soften calluses as well as corns. Being a mild exfoliant, it can help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your feet soft to prevent the formation of corns and calluses.

1. Prepare a solution with 3 crushed aspirin tablets, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water.
2. Heat a piece of cloth in a microwave and soak it in the prepared solution.
3. Place it on the affected area.
4. After 10 minutes, rub a pumice stone all over your feet.
5. Repeat the process once daily for a few days until your calluses become super soft.

8. Treats Bee and Yellow Jacket Stings

Aspirin is a highly effective home treatment for bee or yellow jacket stings. It helps neutralize the venom for quick recovery from the symptoms.

In addition, its anti-inflammatory nature helps control pain and swelling.

1. Take 2 or 3 aspirins.
2. Add a few drops of water to dissolve the tablets and form a thin paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
5. Repeat as needed.

9. Fresh Flowers Bloom Extender

Fresh cut flowers displayed in a vase have a pretty short life and tend to wilt away quickly. This happens because the flowers start producing ethylene gas as they slowly decay.

You need to change the flowers frequently to maintain the beauty of your displayed vase. To keep the freshness of cut flowers intact, you can use aspirin as it helps lower the pH of water. This trick works especially well for roses!

1. Add a few crushed up aspirin tablets to the water in the vase.
2. Then, arrange the cut flowers as per your liking.
3. Change the vase water every few days.

10. Removes Stains from Clothes

Whether you have sweat, coffee, tea, or ink on your clothes, you can get rid of the stain completely using aspirin. Aspirin can remove spots and blotches from fabrics as effectively as commercial fabric stain removers.

1. Crush 2 or 3 aspirins into a fine powder.
2. Mix the powder in ½ cup of warm water.
3. Soak the stained part of the fabric in the solution for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Then, wash the article of clothing in your washing machine as usual.
5. If needed, repeat again.

For hard-to-remove stains, add cream of tartar to the solution before applying it on the fabric.