Making Aspirin in the Bush

[Sanders]

Out in the bush we get many scrapes and bruises. It is not a foreign thought that one day you may sprain your ankle on a hike with no help around. Here is a method that could give you an edge to fight the pain and make it back alive.

Poplars contain a compound known as salicin in their inner bark. The marketed artificial substance many of are familiar with is acetylsalicylic acid; more commonly known as Aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin do not use any form of it, including this method. The risks that apply to aspirin use still apply here and should not be taken lightly. The natural form is actually absorbed easier than the synthetic form, so do not believe that just because it is natural it is good for you. It is advised that you seek guidance from your medical doctor before using any herbal supplement or medicine. Overdose symptoms may include ringing in your ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, fever, seizure (convulsions), or coma and require immediate medical attention. The use of aspirin is not advised for people who are bleeding as it may cause them to bleed out.

The rest of the article and pictures can be found here: http://www.survivalmagazine.org/outd...-aspirin-bush/

[10 Bears]

"Willow Bark Tea" is also an "aspirin" concoction.

[RetVet]

Good info. We have weeping willows in this area and just planted a few at the new property.

[Sanders]

Originally Posted by RetVet

Good info. We have weeping willows in this area and just planted a few at the new property.

Just make sure they are nowhere near your septic system. Dang things are invasive as heck.

[thefundamentalist]

I heard that we learned the willow bark trick from native American Indians. They chewed the bark as a painkiller.