Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves fever and pain. Aspirin works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved with the body's inflammatory process. Aspirin has been used for centuries to relieve symptoms of colds and flu, and doctors prescribe aspirin as a preventive medicine for heart attacks. Because aspirin can have serious side effects, including stomach irritation and bleeding, herbs that contain anti-inflammatory chemicals and do not upset your stomach are a useful alternative.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) was previously called Spiraeae ulmaria, and the term aspirin comes from this historic name. Meadowsweet has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in treating fever, headaches and pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. Meadowsweet contains several powerful salicylates, salts derived from salicylic acid that are chemically similar to aspirin but do not cause stomach bleeding. Meadowsweet, unlike aspirin, has a positive effect on the digestive system. Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book, "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," recommends Meadowsweet to treat heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis, mild stomach hemorrhage and peptic ulcers.
White Willow
White willow bark (Salix alba) is a traditional herbal remedy for fever, flu, rheumatism and gout. The bark contains salicin and salicylic acid. These natural plant chemicals reduce inflammation, fever and pain. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink state that the anti-inflammatory chemicals in willow bark inhibit cyclooxygenase, the enzyme involved in inflammation, without irritating the stomach.
Birch Trees
Birch trees (Betula spp.) have been used medicinally for centuries. Birch contains betulin and betulinic acid, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Traditionally, birch leaves were used as a remedy for inflammatory disorders, such as gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Birch does not cause the gastrointestinal side effects that aspirin causes and, in fact, birch was a traditional herb in Native American communities for stomach disorders. Anthropologist Frances Densmore, in her 1926 report to the Bureau of American Ethnology, "How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts," noted that the Chippewa groups used black birch and white birch to treat stomach pain.
Quaking Aspen
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), like many poplar and willow trees, contains salicin and derivatives of salicin in its bark. Salicin is an anti-inflammatory that converts to salicylic acid in the intestines and liver. Quaking aspen is used to treat painful inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cystitis. Herbalist Hoffmann recommends using quaking aspen to treat rheumatoid arthritis, fevers and infections.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts"; Frances Densmore; 1926
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