Aspirin, The Most Commonly Used Medication In The United States.

In the United States, our population often relies on synthetic medications for both primary and secondary prevention. Aspirin remains one of the most commonly used medications for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory purposes today. The discovery of salicin’s pain-relieving properties laid the groundwork for the development of modern aspirin by chemists in the 19th century, transforming natural remedies into widely available pharmaceutical treatments.

   Mayo Clinic (2023) highlights the following in regard to Primary and secondary Prevention. Primary prevention refers to taking daily aspirin even though you’ve never had a heart attack or stroke. Undergone coronary bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty with stent placement. Never experienced blocked arteries in your neck, legs, or other parts of your body. The benefit of aspirin for primary prevention is still debated (Mayo Clinic, 2023a).

Secondary prevention applies if you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, or if you have known heart or blood vessel disease. In this case, taking daily aspirin to prevent further heart attacks or strokes is well established as beneficial (Mayo Clinic, 2023b).

According to the Medical Expenditure Pane Survey (MEPS) (2005). Almost one-fifth (19.3 percent) of U.S. adults (about 43 million) reported taking aspirin every day or every other day (figure 1). More than half (53.9 percent) of those who were told by a doctor that they have indicators of heart disease reported taking aspirin every day or every other day as compared with those who were never told by a doctor that they had indicators of heart disease (14.8 percent).  (Soni, 2007).

 What are the possible side effects of daily aspirin therapy?

Mayo Clinic (2023) stated, “While daily aspirin can help prevent a clot-related stroke, it may increase the risk of a bleeding stroke. A bleeding stroke also is called a hemorrhagic stroke (Mayo Clinic, 2023). According to Mayo Clinic, daily use of aspirin increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers. For individuals with a bleeding ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, aspirin use may exacerbate bleeding, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications (Mayo Clinic, 2023b). Using synthetic aspirin on a daily Basis will cause liver damage and internal bleeding.

The natural form of salicylates or salicylic acid is present in various herbs, roots, fruits, and vegetables. Consuming naturally occurring salicylic acid does not result in liver damage or internal bleeding. On the contrary, it may support healing and contribute to overall health maintenance.

Natural Substitute for Aspirin:

Ginger

In addition to enhancing the flavor of various dishes, ginger possesses notable anti-inflammatory properties, rendering it a valuable option in alternative medicine. Research indicates that the consumption of ginger—whether fresh, dried, or in powdered form—may assist in the management of conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, menstrual discomfort, arthritis, headaches, and pain resulting from physical exertion.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the principal active compound in turmeric responsible for its distinctive color, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Scientific research indicates that curcumin may significantly reduce inflammation, combat infections, alleviate skin discomfort and lesions, enhance circulation, and inhibit the formation of blood clots.

White Willow Bark

This herb contains salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid in the stomach. Salicylic acid constitutes the primary active ingredient in aspirin. Experts recommend the consumption of 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily in order to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids offer significant cardiovascular benefits, as well as the ability to reduce systemic inflammation and improve symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Excellent dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish such as tuna, sardines, mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and herring. Additionally, plant-based options such as walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and olive oil are also rich in omega-3.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw, an herb native to South Africa, has garnered widespread use across Europe since antiquity. It is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been scientifically validated as effective in alleviating muscle pain, arthritis, and tendonitis.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains coumarin, a compound known for its potent anticoagulant properties when used pharmaceutically. Incorporating cinnamon into one’s diet may contribute to the reduction of blood pressure and provide relief from inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

Drugs.com (2024) advise to consult your healthcare provider immediately should any of the following adverse effects occur while using aspirin.

Serious Side Effects

abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning

black, tarry stools

bloody or cloudy urine

change in consciousness

chest pain or discomfort

confusion

constipation

convulsions, severe or continuing

dark urine

decreased frequency or amount of urine

diarrhea

difficult breathing

drowsiness

fainting

fast breathing

feeling that something terrible will happen

fever

general tiredness and weakness

greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

headache

heartburn

increased thirst

indigestion

irregular heartbeat

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

lower back or side pain

muscle cramping and weakness

muscle tremors

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

panic

rapid, deep breathing

restlessness

seizures

skin rash

stomach cramps

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

upper right abdominal or stomach

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weakness or heaviness of the legs

weight gain

yellow eyes and skin

acid or sour stomach

anxiety

belching

dizziness

dry mouth

hyperventilation

irritability

shaking

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

trouble sleeping

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

(Drugs.com, 2024)     

References

Drugs.com. (2024, May 14). Aspirin side effects: Common, severe, long term.

   https://www.drugs.com/sfx/aspirin-side-effects.html

Greger, M. (2021, September 2). An aspirin a day?. NutritionFacts.org.

https://nutritionfacts.org/audio/an-aspirin-a-day/

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, February 26a). Should you take a daily aspirin for your heart?. Mayo Clinic,

para. (3.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, February 26b). Should you take a daily aspirin for your heart?. Mayo Clinic,

para. (4). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797

Soni, A. (2007, July 27). Statistical brief #179: Aspirin use among the adult U.S. noninstitutionalized

population, with and without indicators of heart disease, 2005. https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st179/stat179.shtml