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Aspen

What is aspen?

Aspen is a tree whose bark and leaves are used to make medicine. Products made from aspen are used in combination with other medicinal plants to treat rheumatic joint pain, prostate problems, back pain, nerve pain and bladder problems.

How do products made from aspen work?

Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical is also known as salicin and can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

How effective are aspen products?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of aspen extracts for the treatment of rheumatic joint pain, prostate problems, back problems, nerve pain and bladder problems. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of aspen extracts in these applications.

Are there any safety concerns?

There is not enough information to say whether products made from aspen are safe and harmless. If aspen products come into contact with the skin, skin reactions such as rashes may occur. Alcohol should not be consumed while using aspen extracts, as alcohol can increase the risk of serious bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

Precautions and warnings

  • Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of aspen products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid products made from this plant to be on the safe side.
  • Aspirin allergy: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to aspirin.
  • Stomach ulcers: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate stomach ulcers.
  • Diabetes: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate existing diabetes.
  • Gout: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate gout.
  • Blood disorders such as hemophilia or hypoprothrombinemia: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate blood disorders.
  • Liver disorders: Aspen contains a chemical very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate liver disorders.
  • Kidney disease: Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, can aggravate kidney disease.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of aspen products with medications or other supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of aspen depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for aspen. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Goodman LS, Gilman A. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed. New York, NY: Macmillan Publ. Co, Inc, 1975.
  2. Hoffman D. The herbal handbook: a user's guide to medical herbalism. rev ed. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1998.
  3. Williamson EM, Evans FJ, eds. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: CW Daniel Company Ltd, 1998.