6 Alternative Aspirin Uses that No One Told You About
Acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin, is one of the most consumed over-the-counter drugs in the world because of its powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-coagulant properties. Since ancient times, common aspirin uses have included pain relief, like relieving headaches, as well as muscle aches and some cold symptoms.
It has also been proven to be one of the best medications against circulatory problems and the risk of heart attack.
What some people don’t know is that it has other applications, as well. Aspirin is also alternative ingredient for homemade cosmetic and household products.
Below, we’re going to share 6 of the most interesting aspirin uses.
Let’s take a look!
6 Alternative Aspirin Uses
1. A homemade lip exfoliant
Because of how acetylsalicylic acid acts, aspirin is a great choice for exfoliating and protecting the delicate skin that covers your lips.
Using it will prevent peeling, accumulated dead skin cells, and cracking.
Ingredients
- A tsp. brown sugar (12.5 grams)
- 1 tsp. honey (7.5 grams)
- 1 tsp. olive oil (5 grams)
- 2 aspirin pills
- 6 drops vitamin E oil
What to do
- First, crush the aspirin with a mortar and pestle to create a fine powder.
- Then, add the remaining ingredients and make sure to crush it into a thick paste.
- Rub the mixture on your lips and gently massage it in a circular motion to strengthen the exfoliating effect.
- Allow the compounds to take effect for 5 minutes, then rinse.
- Use once a week.
2. Rejuvenating peel
Peels, or microdermabrasion, are aesthetic treatments that help rejuvenate skin by eliminating blemishes and dead skin.
Although they’re generally done with professional cosmetic products, they can also be made at home using aspirin.
Ingredients
- 5 aspirin
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (20 mL)
- 1 Tbsp. baking soda (10 grams)
What to do
- First, prepare a thick mixture from the aspirin and lemon juice.
- Then, rub it over a clean face. Let it set for 20 minutes.
- After that time, gently massage in a circle, then rinse with cold water.
- Apply a bit of baking soda to neutralize the acid from the lemon, then rinse again.
- Finish by moisturizing your skin.
- Use once a week.
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3. Foot treatment
Another of the top aspirin uses is fighting foot problems like fungal growth, dryness and callouses.
Its active ingredients soften skin and create a protective barrier against germs that cause illness.
Ingredients
- 5 aspirin
- 1 tsp. lemon juice (5 mL)
- 1 tbsp. water (10 mL)
What to do
- First, crush the aspirin and mix the powder with the lemon juice and tablespoon of water.
- Once you have a paste, rub it on your dry skin and allow to set for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, then use a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
- Apply three times a week, and complement this with a moisturizing cream.
4. Blemish remover and whitener
The strength of acetylsalicylic acid removes sweat stains and other various stains, which change the natural color of whites.
Ingredients
- 5 aspirin
- Water (as needed)
Directions
- First, crush the aspirin and combine with water until you get a thick paste.
- Then, rub this mixture on the sweat stain and let set for 15 minutes.
- Put it in the normal wash cycle and you’ll see that your clothing is fresh again!
5. Ingrown hairs
This pharmaceutical drug has exfoliating qualities that are perfect for solving the discomfort caused by ingrown hairs.
It has an anti-inflammatory action that reduces redness and helps extract the hair, from the outside.
Ingredients
- 1 aspirin tablet
- 1 tsp. coconut oil (7.5 grams)
What to do
- Combine the crushed aspirin with the coconut oil and rub it on the affected area.
- Wait for it to work for 15 minutes, then rinse.
- Repeat every day until the problem disappears.
6. Bathroom cleaner
Aspirin can also be used to remove soap scum and lime that accumulate in the bathtub and sink.
Ingredients
- 5 aspirin
- Liquid soap or detergent
Directions
- Dissolve the 5 ground aspirin in a bit of liquid soap or detergent and use the mixture to clean the desired areas.
- Let set for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Give these surprising aspirin uses a try. We know you’ll love them!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Valsecia, M. (2010). Analgésicos Antipiréticos y Antiinflamatorios No Esteroideos (AINEs). Jano. https://doi.org/10.1287/moor.27.1.192.334
- Terapia con aspirina diaria: conoce los beneficios y los riesgos. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797
- Jara, R. C., Jiménez, I. A., & Zúñiga, A. V. (2016). Intoxicación aguda por ácido acetilsalicílico. Revista Clínica de La Escuela de Medicina UCR – HSJD.
