Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Taking aspirin may cause a serious bleeding problem. Does this sound like something you want in your body? What side effects can this medication cause? Aspirin may cause side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and heartburn. Some side effects can be even more serious: hives; rash; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat; wheezing or difficulty breathing; hoarseness ; fast heartbeat; fast breathing; cold, clammy skin; ringing in the ears; loss of hearing; bloody vomit; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; bright red blood in stools; and black or tarry stools. Symptoms of overdose may include: burning pain in the throat or stomach; vomiting; decreased urination; fever; restlessness; irritability; talking a lot and saying things that do not make sense; fear or nervousness; dizziness; double vision; uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body; confusion; abnormally excited mood; hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that are not there); seizures; drowsiness; loss of consciousness for a period of time.
Aspirin is traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by breakdown of the lining of the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (condition in which the immune system attacks the joints and organs and causes pain and swelling) and certain other rheumatologic conditions (conditions in which the immune system attacks parts of the body). Aspirin is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, menstrual periods, arthritis, colds, toothaches, and muscle aches. Aspirin is also used to prevent heart attacks in people who have had a heart attack in the past or who have angina (chest pain that occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen). Aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of death in people who are experiencing or who have recently experienced a heart attack. Aspirin is also used to prevent ischemic strokes (strokes that occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain) or mini-strokes (strokes that occur when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked for a short time) in people who have had this type of stroke or mini-stroke in the past. Aspirin will not prevent hemorrhagic strokes (strokes caused by bleeding in the brain).
Studies have shown that daily aspirin reduces a subset of the populations’ risk of sustaining a stroke or heart attack, by acting to reduce blood clots. This same property can have unwanted or deadly side effects including bleeds in the brain and stomach, and renal failure. Aspirin can also mix badly with other medications. Aspirin is not always safe and there are no studies that show taking plain aspirin extends life. Linus Pauling pointed out in 1986 that "Aspirin, like other salicylates, has the property that in concentrated solution can attack and dissolve tissues. An aspirin in the stomach may attach to the stomach wall and cause a bleeding ulcer. So the enteric coated baby aspirins go deeper into our blood streams and dissolve endothelium tissue here, instead of in the stomach—both the lining of our arteries and stomach are similar types of cells. Symptoms of mild aspirin poisoning are burning pain in the mouth, throat and abdomen; difficulty in breathing, lethargy, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. More severe aspirin poisoning may lead to delirium, fever, sweating, in coordination, coma, convulsions, cyanosis (blueness of the skin), failure of kidney function, respiratory failure, and death.”
A recent report from the Boston University school of Medicine confirms that aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, sometimes causing severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding and, in rare instances, death.
I am a naturopathic physician and I do not recommend taking this chemical because of the potentially devastating side effects to one’s health. There is an herbal formula “800” that is 100% herbal and available now that can treat the symptoms that aspirin treats and more, without deadly side effects or ingredients that the body doesn’t recognize. Aspirin is made with acetylsalicylic acid, and these other inactive ingredients: carnauba wax (It is harder than concrete and nearly insoluble in water and ethanol. It is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. The combination of properties leads to many applications, including use in food, cosmetics, automobile and furniture wax, molds for semiconductor devices, and as a coating for dental floss), corn starch, hypromellose (food additive, hypromellose is an emulsifier, thickening and suspending agent, and an alternative to animal gelatin), powdered cellulose (wood fiber that humans can digest to some extent; however it is often referred to as "dietary fiber" or "roughage" and acts as a hydrophilic bulking agent for feces), triacetin (Mainly manufactured in mainland China; it is an artificial chemical compound, commonly used as a food additive).
The first ingredient in 800 is wild lettuce leaf (a woodland member of the sunflower family; wild lettuce is said to have calming or sedative properties; used to induce sleep; recommended for nervous excitability and irritated cough in children; used to treat arthritis pain; with no notable side effects). The next ingredient is white willow bark. It has been renowned for its pain and inflammation relieving abilities for thousands of years .It is recommended for headache, fever, arthritis, and other disorders characterized by pain and inflammation, including heart disease. White willow contains the same salicylates used in aspirin, but in a less concentrated form. Willow bark may thin the blood without increasing the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. White willow bark can also suppress inflammation and uterine cramping caused by prostaglandins (locally acting messenger molecules). Like aspirin, white willow may help reduce the risk of stomach and colon cancer. In one study it was also shown to help reduce blood sugar. White willow can also suppress inflammation and uterine cramping caused by prostaglandins. Like aspirin, white willow may help reduce the risk of stomach and colon cancer. In one study it was also shown to help reduce blood sugar. There are a few precautions with this natural herb: Do not give white willow to children to treat fever resulting from cold, flu, or chickenpox because it is not known if white willow, like aspirin, could cause potentially fatal Reye syndrome in children with these illnesses. People with ulcers or gastrointestinal conditions should not use white willow without first consulting their doctor as white willow may aggravate symptoms or cause stomach upset in some sensitive individuals. Those taking blood thinners should avoid this herb too, as it may increase the action of these medications.
Valerian root is another safe herb that is in 800. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of it as a sleep aid. And, unlike many pharmaceutical "sleeping pills," valerian won't cause feelings of grogginess upon waking or lead to a chemical dependency. The sedating effect of valerian on the central nervous system may help reduce muscle spasms and prevent convulsions. Recent animal studies suggest that valerian may also help lower blood pressure and inhibit tumor growth. Known precautions are that too much valerian may cause headache, blurred vision, nausea, and grogginess. There have been no reports of toxicity linked with valerian.
Feverfew gets its name from its traditional use as a fever reducer, but is prescribed by modern herbalists to treat migraine headache. Many studies have shown that feverfew can both prevent and treat migraines. Feverfew inhibits the body’s production of inflammatory prostaglandins that can cause the blood to thicken and the smooth vascular muscles to tense, both conditions can lead to a migraine. Preliminary laboratory research suggests that feverfew extracts can help control the body’s inflammatory response in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis; some studies have shown that this herb actually mimics the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroid cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Feverfew is considered to be an effective treatment for allergic reactions as well, and often it is recommended for treatment of hay fever and seasonal allergies. Some precautions are that feverfew does have a traditional use as a promoter of menstruation, so pregnant women should avoid it. Also, studies have shown that feverfew may interfere with blood clotting, so people taking blood thinners or vitamin E supplements may want to avoid this herb as well.
Ginger,
or Zingiber officinale (Latin), is a tasty, aromatic spice that has been a
mainstay of Asian and Indian cuisine and traditional medicine for thousands of
years. Ginger is one of the world’s most widely used herbal treatments. Ginger
has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat nausea, stimulate appetite,
fight body odor, and promote perspiration. Indian ayurvedic medicine
traditionally recommends ginger for the treatment of arthritis, and recent
studies have shown that ginger does indeed inhibit the production of cytokines,
which are chemicals that can promote inflammation.
Ginger also helps treat joint pain by stimulating blood circulation, and this
effect may make it a useful treatment for many illnesses characterized by pain
and poor circulation, including rheumatoid arthritis and Reynaud’s syndrome.
Research indicates that ginger is beneficial to the heart as well. Clinical
studies have shown that as little as 5 grams of ginger a day slows the
production of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver. Ginger also
guards against heart attack and stroke by preventing the platelet clumping or
stickiness that can lead to blood clots and atherosclerosis. Two capsules of 800
contain approximately 180 milligrams of ginger.
One of ginger’s best-known uses is as a treatment for nausea. Controlled
clinical studies have found ginger to be more effective in relieving motion
sickness than dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). When given in large doses, ginger also
seems to be effective for treating nausea induced by chemotherapy when given in
large doses.
Pregnant women have reported relief from consuming small amounts of ginger root,
ginger tea, and ginger ale. However, women should not consume large amounts of
ginger during pregnancy, as it can cause the uterus to contract.
Ginger is also often used for treatment of flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea,
and menstrual cramps. This is because ginger mimics some digestive enzymes used
to process protein in the body, and is known to act as a gastrointestinal
antispasmodic. Ginger is recommended to prevent and treat indigestion.
Ginger is also sometimes recommended for relief of cold symptoms—it helps to
loosen phlegm and fight chills by spreading a warm feeling throughout the body.
Pickled ginger is traditionally eaten with sushi, probably because of its
ability to destroy parasites—it contains zingibain, a parasite-killing chemical
that has been shown to kill the anisakid worm, a parasite that sometimes
contaminates raw fish.
Pregnant women should be careful not to overdo it when taking ginger
supplements; it has been said to stimulate uterine contractions. People taking
blood thinners, barbiturates, beta-blockers, insulin or diabetes medications
should consult a physician before
supplementing
with ginger on a regular basis, since it may increase the effects of these
medications, in other words you may reduce the amount of allopathic medicine you
are currently scheduled.
Ginger may interfere with the absorption of dietary iron and fat-soluble
vitamins, and cause stomach upset in higher doses. Also, because ginger helps
thin the blood, it should not be taken two weeks prior to surgery. And the
concluding ingredient is
Devil’s claw root
is used in folk tradition for its analgesic (numbing) and antipyretic
(temperature reducing) properties. European colonists took the plant back to
their countries where it was used to treat arthritis. The modern day main use of
devil’s claw is as an anti-inflammatory and for
pain relief
for joint diseases. These effects have been proven by laboratory studies. It is
recommended that devil’s claw be taken for a least 2-3 months before any effect
may be experience. Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is thought to
benefit most from the use of devil’s claw. Clinical studies support this and
also suggest that devil’s claw is as effective as conventional anti-inflammatory
drugs. Multi-ingredient preparations for arthritic conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis
and
gout
often include the medicinal herb devil's claw. Devil’s claw is also very popular
for mild joint pain. Back pain is another condition which is thought to be
helped by devil’s claw. One of the traditional uses of devil’s claw is that of
an
herbal appetite stimulant.
Other painful conditions that may benefit from the use of devil’s claw are
headache and general nerve pain. Devil’s claw can also be used as a digestive
tonic; the belief is that it helps in the relief of constipation, diarrhea and
flatulence.
Potential Side Effects of Devil's Claw
The most likely side effect of devil’s claw is stomach upsets but it has also been reported to cause headaches, ringing in the ears, loss of taste and appetite. People with allergies may react to devil’s claw. Devil’s claw should not be taken by people with gastric or duodenal ulcers. People with gall stones should consult their health providers. Pregnant and breast feeding women should not take devil’s claw. Devil’s claw extracts have theoretically been associated with interactions with blood thinning agents e.g. warfarin (initially marketed as a pesticide against rats and mice), and cardiac drugs.
I’d recommend taking the 800 over the aspirin for any of aspirin’s approved uses. I strongly support the idea that there are better; safer and more effective alternatives to aspirin for preventing heart attacks and extending life, especially the 800. The six herbs used for this product contain no fillers—only herbs. It is also a great hangover reliever—what a wonderful side effect! Contact Dr. Jon at Paramount Herbs, 818-848-7414, for your bottle of pain relief today! Taken every day it may prevent occurrences of migraine headaches. Other conditions may require additional herbal supplements. And as usual to not be taken down by the F.D.A. or any other government agency--Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only; it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any disease or condition; nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete or accurate.