Background

Aspen is a tree. The bark and leaf are used to make medicine.

Aspen is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), nerve pain, and pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve (sciatica), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspen is safe or what the side effects might be. Skin reactions, such as rashes, can occur after handling aspen leaves or bark.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspen is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Aspirin allergy: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. It may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.

Stomach ulcers: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make stomach ulcers worse.

Gout: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make gout worse.

Low levels of the blood clotting protein prothrombin (hypoprothrombinemia): Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make some blood disorders worse.

Liver disease: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make liver disease worse.

Kidney disease: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make kidney disease worse.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of aspen depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for aspen. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Aspirin

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Aspen contains chemicals which are similar to aspirin. There is some concern that taking aspen along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.

Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). There is some concern that taking aspen along with choline magnesium trisalicylate might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.

Salsalate (Disalcid)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to salsalate (Disalcid). There is some concern that taking aspen along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs that contain chemicals similar to aspirin (salicylates): Aspen contains chemicals called salicylates that are similar to aspirin. There is some concern that using aspen with other herbs that contain salicylates might increase their effects and side effects. Herbs that contain salicylates include black haw, poplar, meadowsweet, and willow bark.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin that may reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).