Felix Hoffmann Made Aspirin From Treebark
Ever wonder about some meds and why we have them today? The recipe for aspirin was developed from an experimental process performed by Felix Hoffmann. His chemical sythesis from willow tree bark brought us aspirin.
Hoffmann is also known for synthesizing another drug (or poison!) called Heroin. The plan was to develop a chemical combo which would aid in pain relief. I’ve never had Heroin, and doubt that I ever will, but I do take aspirin almost daily.
Many adults are advised by their physican to take aspirin in a small daily dosages, usually 85 milligrams – like a child’s dose. Regular adult aspirin is usually labeled as 325 miligrams.
When I was a kid, aspirin was a cure all – one household name back then was St Josephs. Now-a-days, and for quite a few decades before, aspirin is not recommended for fever as it can cause something called rye syndrome.
In the past, I’ve placed a raw aspirin on an aching tooth to ease the pain. My pharmacist told me that aspirin kills the pain from the toothache, but other pain meds such as acetametaphine (Tylenol) do not work this way.
Aspirin also works as an anticoagulant, which means it thins the blood. Too much aspirin, for sure, can cause you to bruise easily and/or bleed (more) freely when cut – so be careful with that!
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