Good reasons to take aspirin
For the health of your unborn baby
A low dose of aspirin each day can reduce the threat of pre-eclampsia - which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and growth retardation - in those pregnant women who are at high risk of developing the condition. Pre-eclampsia occurs in up to 15 per cent of mothers. Aspirin appears to help by preventing clots from forming in the tiny blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygenated blood from the mother to the baby.
To prevent a stroke
Many people know that aspirin can reduce the risk of heart disease, but they are less aware that it can also help to reduce the risk of strokes by up to one third. Strokes are caused by blood clots forming in the brain; their development is similar to that in the coronary blood vessels that causes heart attacks. At least half of all people who have had a stroke or a mini-stroke (a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) are not prescribed aspirin, which by thinning the blood, could prevent further trouble.
To prevent dementia
With each tiny blood clot in the brain, memory and cognitive performance is likely to decline. The development of Alzheimer's, a more specific and insidious form of dementia, could also be slowed by taking aspirin, say researchers.
To prevent DVT
Although opinion is divided, many specialists think that taking a mini aspirin before a flight - or a long car or train journey - could reduce the risk of blood stagnating and becoming sticky, thus causing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To ease toothache in an emergency
Chewing an aspirin, or swooshing one that is dissolved in water around the mouth, can help to numb pain speedily. However, you should avoid allowing the aspirin to come too much into contact with your gums, as this can cause "aspirin burn", or sensitivity.
For relief from an insect bite
Wetting the top of a soluble aspirin and rubbing it directly on to an insect bite eases pain and inflammation in much the same way as a dock leaf. Equally, applying dissolved aspirin to the shingles rash, or to rosacea - an inflammatory rash - may ease inflammation, pain and itching.
To lower the risk of diabetic complications
Such complications include blockages to the small arteries that could lead to heart attacks and strokes. An aspirin a day could lower the risk.
To prolong the life of cut flowers
Adding two tablets to a vase of flowers increases the acidity of the water, which allows the stems to absorb water more effectively. Scientists also believe that salicylic acid - the active component of aspirin - triggers a plant's defences against disease, which may protect them from fungal, bacterial and viral infections
Can aspirin harm you?
If you already have "thin" blood or are taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, you should not also take aspirin - it could thin your blood further and put you at higher risk of a stroke. Always consult your doctor before taking aspirin on a regular basis.
For the health of your unborn baby
A low dose of aspirin each day can reduce the threat of pre-eclampsia - which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and growth retardation - in those pregnant women who are at high risk of developing the condition. Pre-eclampsia occurs in up to 15 per cent of mothers. Aspirin appears to help by preventing clots from forming in the tiny blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygenated blood from the mother to the baby.
To prevent a stroke
Many people know that aspirin can reduce the risk of heart disease, but they are less aware that it can also help to reduce the risk of strokes by up to one third. Strokes are caused by blood clots forming in the brain; their development is similar to that in the coronary blood vessels that causes heart attacks. At least half of all people who have had a stroke or a mini-stroke (a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) are not prescribed aspirin, which by thinning the blood, could prevent further trouble.
To prevent dementia
With each tiny blood clot in the brain, memory and cognitive performance is likely to decline. The development of Alzheimer's, a more specific and insidious form of dementia, could also be slowed by taking aspirin, say researchers.
To prevent DVT
Although opinion is divided, many specialists think that taking a mini aspirin before a flight - or a long car or train journey - could reduce the risk of blood stagnating and becoming sticky, thus causing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To ease toothache in an emergency
Chewing an aspirin, or swooshing one that is dissolved in water around the mouth, can help to numb pain speedily. However, you should avoid allowing the aspirin to come too much into contact with your gums, as this can cause "aspirin burn", or sensitivity.
For relief from an insect bite
Wetting the top of a soluble aspirin and rubbing it directly on to an insect bite eases pain and inflammation in much the same way as a dock leaf. Equally, applying dissolved aspirin to the shingles rash, or to rosacea - an inflammatory rash - may ease inflammation, pain and itching.
To lower the risk of diabetic complications
Such complications include blockages to the small arteries that could lead to heart attacks and strokes. An aspirin a day could lower the risk.
To prolong the life of cut flowers
Adding two tablets to a vase of flowers increases the acidity of the water, which allows the stems to absorb water more effectively. Scientists also believe that salicylic acid - the active component of aspirin - triggers a plant's defences against disease, which may protect them from fungal, bacterial and viral infections
Can aspirin harm you?
If you already have "thin" blood or are taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, you should not also take aspirin - it could thin your blood further and put you at higher risk of a stroke. Always consult your doctor before taking aspirin on a regular basis.
