13 Unusual Uses of Aspirin (Apart from Headache Relief)

Aspirin is one of the most widely used, over-the-counter medicines. It comes in handy any time someone complains of pain (mild to moderate), a mild fever or a migraine. Aspirin can also help prevent strokes and heart attacks, if taken in the right dosage.

Aspirin has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic benefits. It is one of those basic medicines that has a permanent place in your first aid kit or medicine cabinet.

But aspirin can be used to deal with many problems beyond the usual ailments that have you reaching for it. From skin problems to spider bites, here are 13 unusual uses of aspirin, apart from headache relief, that you may not know about.

Method 1: Keloid Scars

Keloids are smooth, shiny overgrowths of scar tissue that usually form over an injury or a surgical wound. They are most common in dark-skinned people.

Aspirin consists of salicylic acid that has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help break down the extra keratin layer on the skin and reduce the size of keloids.

Lemon juice is great for the skin, as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It will also help lighten keloid scars.

This aspirin and lemon juice remedy is most effective on newly formed keloids.

Things you’ll need:

• Aspirin – 2 or 3 tablets
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Apply aspirin & lemon juice paste on affected area

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 2 or 3 aspirin tablets.
• Mix until the tablets dissolve.
• Wash the affected area and apply the paste on it.
• Let it dry for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

You may use this remedy 2 times a day.

Method 2: Canker Sores

Painful canker sores can make mealtime a nightmare! Luckily, there is a simple remedy you can use to get rid of them. It will help relieve the pain and prevent ulcers from festering.

This solution is inexpensive and is much less painful than several other natural canker sore treatments.

Single-Step Treatment: Make aspirin & water paste and apply on affected area

• Add enough water to 2 or 3 uncoated aspirin tablets to make a paste.
• Stir until the tablets completely dissolve.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the paste on the canker sore.
• Wait 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

Use this remedy 2 times a day. You will begin to see results in 2 to 3 days.

Method 3: Restless Leg Syndrome

This method has no scientific backing, but a number of people claim that aspirin is quite effective in reducing symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Single-Step Treatment: Take 2 aspirins before you go to bed

• Take 2 tablets of aspirin before bedtime as and when required.
• It takes about 30 minutes for this remedy to work.

Method 4: Razor Burns

Aspirin is effective in treating razor burns, as it is a painkiller and has anti-inflammatory properties. The salicylic acid present in aspirin is also a key ingredient in a number of expensive skin care products. This remedy is a much more affordable way to get the same benefits that commercial lotions offer.

This remedy also uses witch hazel, a natural astringent that also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It will help alleviate the pain and burning sensation caused by razor burns. It will also help protect your skin against infection.

Things you’ll need:

• Aspirin – 4 tablets
• Witch hazel – ½ cup

Step 1. Mix witch hazel and aspirin in a spray bottle

• Pour ½ cup of witch hazel into a spray bottle.
• Add 4 aspirin tablets to it.
• Let the aspirin dissolve.

Step 2. Spray the solution on the affected areas

• Shake the bottle before use.
• Spray the solution on the affected areas or freshly shaven skin.
• Let it dry.

Use the solution as needed.

Method 5: Calluses

Aspirin can be used to soften the hard skin around a callus. It will also help reduce the discomfort caused by this very common and annoying skin condition.

Owing to its mild exfoliant properties, aspirin is also effective in preventing callus formation. It helps by removing dead skin cells from your skin and keeping it soft.

Things you’ll need:

• Aspirin – 5 tablets
• Lemon juice – ½ teaspoon
• Water – ½ teaspoon

Step 1. Mix aspirin, lemon juice, and water to form a paste

• Put ½ teaspoon of lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
• Add 5 aspirin tablets to the lemon juice.
• Add ½ teaspoon of water as well.
• Stir the ingredients to make a paste.

Step 2. Apply the paste on the callus & cover it with plastic wrap

• Apply the paste on the callus.
• Cover it with plastic wrap.
• Remove the plastic wrap after 15 minutes.
• Gently scrub away the callus using a pumice stone.

Repeat as needed.

Method 6: Yellow Jacket Stings

Other than treating fever and pain, this versatile medicine can also provide relief from a yellow jacket sting. It reduces the pain and also helps minimize the swelling. It is effective in neutralizing the venom and begins to work almost instantly.

Single-Step Treatment: Make a paste with aspirin & water to apply on site of the sting

• Put 1 or 2 aspirin tablets in a mixing bowl.
• Add a sufficient amount of water to dissolve the aspirin and form a paste.
• Apply the aspirin paste on the sting.
• Let it dry for a few minutes.
• Wash it off.

Repeat the remedy if needed.

Method 7: Spider Bites

The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin play a role in reducing the swelling and itching caused by spider bites. Aspirin also provides quick relief by neutralizing the toxins that the spider left in your skin.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply an aspirin paste on the spider bite

• Mix 2 or 3 aspirin tablets and 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste.
• Apply this paste on the affected area.
• Let it sit for 3 to 4 hours.
• Rinse it off with water.

A single application of the aspirin paste will noticeably reduce the symptoms. Reapply if needed.

Method 8: Dandruff

The salicylic acid in aspirin will exfoliate your scalp and help you control dandruff. It acts as a cleanser and helps remove the dandruff flakes. Aspirin also reduces scalp inflammation.

Apple cider vinegar can effectively normalize the pH level of the scalp. It boasts of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Other than helping you get rid of stubborn dandruff, this ingredient will also add a shine to your hair and promote hair growth.

Shampoo will provide a nice cleansing base.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
• Aspirin, crushed – 3 tablets
• Mild shampoo – 4 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix the three ingredients

• Pour 4 tablespoons of a mild shampoo into a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the shampoo.
• Crush 3 aspirin tablets and add it to the mix.
• Stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients.

Step 2. Apply the mixture on your scalp

• Transfer the mixture to a 3-4 ounce pump bottle.
• Apply a sufficient quantity of this mixture to cover all of your scalp.
• Leave it on for about 5 minutes, then massage your scalp.
• Wash it out with the mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner.
• Let your hair air-dry.

You may use this remedy once every 2 weeks.

Method 9: Acne

Aspirin is useful for drying out excess oil in the skin pores as well as removing dead skin cells. It aids in preventing and treating acne breakouts by unclogging the pores, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the appearance of pimples and acne.

The honey in this remedy comes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps keep the skin conditioned and moisturized.

Things you’ll need:

• Honey – 2 teaspoons
• Aspirin, crushed – 3 tablets

Single-Step Treatment: Apply honey and aspirin mixture on your acne

• Add 2 teaspoons of honey to 3 crushed aspirin tablets and mix well.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Wait for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off.
• Pat dry your skin.
• Finish with a moisturizer.

For best results, use this remedy twice a week for at least 2 weeks.

Method 10: Rough Feet

The skin of your feet is most susceptible to dead skin cell accumulation. With a little care, you can keep your feet soft and smooth. Another unusual use of Aspirin is that acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. It also helps by softening hardened skin, including calluses and corns.

Lemon juice is also useful in removing built-up skin.

An Epsom salt soak is a pretty famous remedy for treating hardening feet skin. Epsom salt helps by improving the blood circulation in the feet and acts as a detox agent. It will also soften up rough and hard feet skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Epsom salt – 1 cup
• Aspirin – 7 to 10 tablets
• Lemon juice – ½ lemon
• Moisturizer

Step 1. Soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath

• Fill a small tub with warm water.
• Mix in 1 cup of Epsom salt.
• Soak your feet in the foot bath for about 30 minutes.
• Wash your feet.

Step 2. Mix lemon juice and aspirin to make a paste

• Put 7 to 10 aspirin tablets in a bowl and add the juice from ½ of a lemon.
• Stir the ingredients to form a paste.

Step 3. Apply the paste on your feet & cover it with plastic wrap

• Apply the aspirin-lemon paste on the rough skin.
• Wrap your feet with plastic wrap for 4 to 5 hours. This will help seal in the paste.

Step 4. Wash off the paste & apply moisturizer

• Remove the wrap and wash your feet.
• Use a soft towel to dry your feet.
• Finish with a moisturizer.
• Wear a pair of cotton socks overnight to help seal in the moisture.

For best results, use this remedy daily for 1 week.

Method 11: Keep Flowers Fresh

Aspirin can also help extend the life of your freshly cut flowers by a few more days. It works by lowering the water’s pH level, thus increasing the flow of water through the stems. It’ll also keep a check on the growth of bacteria that may thrive in the vase, especially at the bottom of the stems.

Single-Step Method: Keep the flowers in aspirin solution

• Add 1 aspirin tablet to 2 cups of water.
• Stir to dissolve the aspirin.
• Transfer the aspirin-water solution into a vase.
• Put the flowers in the vase and enjoy their fresh beauty longer.

Method 12: Shoe Bites & Blisters

Aspirin helps alleviate symptoms associated with shoe bites. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the inflammation and swelling and provide instant relief from the discomfort. This is an effective and inexpensive remedy for healing shoe bites, blisters, and scars.

Single-Step Treatment: Make aspirin & water paste and apply on shoe bite

• Dissolve 1 or 2 aspirin tablets in enough water to make a paste.
• Apply this mixture on the shoe bite or blister.
• Let it sit for a few hours. You can cover it with a bandage so you can go about your day.
• After a few hours, wash it off with water.

You may use this remedy 2 times a day.

Method 13: Bunions

Common symptoms of a bunion include inflammation, thick and hardened skin, and calluses. It can also cause pain and discomfort. Aspirin can relieve these symptoms. It helps reduce pain and inflammation and soften the skin to prevent or eliminate calluses and corns.

Things you’ll need:

• Iodine – 1 tablespoon
• Aspirin – 2 or 3 tablets

Single-Step Treatment: Apply iodine-aspirin paste on the bunion

• Put 2 or 3 aspirin tablets in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of iodine to the tablets and mix well.
• Apply the paste on the bunion.
• Cover it with a bandage and leave it for a few hours.
• Wash it off with water.

Use this remedy daily until you get the desired results.

Tips:

• The maximum dosage of aspirin suitable for oral use is 4 grams per day.
• Avoid taking aspirin over longer duration of time.
• If you are taking aspirin for self-treatment, then follow all directions on the package of the product.
• Drink a full glass of water with aspirin, unless your doctor tells otherwise.