Household Uses for Aspirin

I was watching the Today Show this morning, and although they haven’t gotten to the segment yet, they mentioned a segment coming up about all the uses for aspirin. I thought to myself, that would make a great post!
After all, who is going to remember what they said on the Today Show later today!?

The chemical name of aspirin is acetyl salicylic acid or Acetasalicylic acid, a white crystalline compound. It has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The name was originally a trade name registered in 1899 by Bayer, but has become the preferred name for the drug.

Revive a dead car battery
Ever run out of juice for your car, and either you are in a tight spot to get jumped, or you are just plain with out cables- you may be able to get your vehicle started by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery. The aspirin’s acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery’s sulfuric acid to produce one last charge.

Dry up zits!
You might remember a couple masks I have given you recipes for previously.  Crushing one aspirin and moistening it with a bit of water, or even add it to honey or aloe vera pulp. Apply the paste to the pimple, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing off with soap and water. You can repeat, but wait at least 16-24 hrs in between applications

Treat calluses
Soften hard calluses on your feet by grinding five or six aspirins into a powder. Make a paste by adding 1/2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, then wrap your foot in a warm towel and cover it with a plastic bag. After staying off your feet for at least ten minutes, remove the bag and towel, and file down the softened callus with a pumice stone.

Get rid of pit stains
Have t-shirts, or even a favorite white dressy shirt with sweat stains? I think sometimes they are deodorant stains too!  Well before you throw them out try this!  Crush two aspirins and mix the powder in 1/2 cup warm water. Soak the stained part of the garment in the solution for two to three hours.

Restore hair color
Yuck.  Swimming can change your hairs color pretty fast, especially if you swim in largely treated pools.  But you can usually return your hair to its former shade by dissolving six to eight aspirins in a glass of warm water. Rub the solution thoroughly into your hair, and let it set for 10-15 minutes.

Dandruff
I get dandruff in the summer sometimes.  Crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair, should alleviate the problem. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.

Fungus ridden soil

Ever get that icky fungus on the soil of your houseplants?  It can be treated by using aspirin. Dissolve one aspirin  in a liter of water and sprinkle the mixture on the affected soil. Although this will fix the problem, care should be taken to not to make the mixture too strong if using around plants, as it may burn the leaves.Don’t pour it in like you are watering the plant, just sprinkle on top.

Apply to insect bites and stings
Control the inflammation caused by mosquito bites or bee stings by wetting your skin and rubbing an aspirin over the spot. Or use the acne treatment above and make a paste and apply.

Help cut flowers last longer
Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers.

None of these are a replacement for medical advice!

Karissa Gindling™ for Prissy Green™ ©