Q What is aspirin useful for and what dose should I take?

A

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is said to have been found by the Ancient Greeks in willow bark. Now purified, it has many uses. It’s a good painkiller when given to adults as a 300-600mg dosage, every six hours (not in children, as it may cause Reye’s syndrome, unless prescribed for heart conditions). It thins the blood slightly so is prescribed at low dose (75mg) to prevent angina, heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk, and in pregnant women at risk of pre-eclampsia or with pregnancy complications. The anti-inflammatory effects help ease joint diseases, such as bursitis or tendonitis, and reduce fever. It’s generally safe but can cause gastric irritation and tinnitus. It may be prescribed by your GP or you can buy it from pharmacies – but discuss with the pharmacist about why you want it.

Curiously, dissolved aspirin can be sprayed on plants every three weeks to help them grow and protect them from disease.