Q. What can I substitute for aspirin to ease pain without stomach problems? Will it thin the blood as well?
If inflammation in the body is a problem, what home remedy will help reduce it?
A. Aspirin is the gold standard for anti-inflammatory pain relief. Doctors often recommend aspirin for people at risk of heart disease. New research also suggests that aspirin reduces the likelihood of certain common cancers (Lancet Oncology, online, March 20, 2012).
Despite such benefits, aspirin can cause trouble for many people. Bleeding ulcers are a potentially deadly complication.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe salsalate, which can fight inflammation and may be less irritating to the digestive tract. We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis for more details about salsalate and anti-inflammatory foods that can also thin the blood.
Non-drug options for reducing inflammation include tart cherries, gin-soaked raisins, grape juice, dark chocolate, pineapple, ginger, turmeric and boswellia. You can learn about many of these in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, available in libraries and bookstores as well as online.
