Aspirin Against Preeclampsia

By Nephron - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10874506

Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy featuring high blood pressure and other physical manifestations, and which is linked to poor outcomes for mother and child.  Aspirin – a drug with an impressive array of health benefits (including cardiovascular and decreased risk of colorectal cancer, besides its typical use for pain, fever, and inflammation) now has shown to have preventive properties against preeclampsia.  Abstract:

Aspirin is currently the most widely prescribed treatment in the prevention of cardiovascular complications. The indications for the use of aspirin during pregnancy are, however, the subject of much controversy. Since the first evidence of the obstetric efficacy of aspirin in 1985, numerous studies have tried to determine the effect of low-dose aspirin on the incidence of preeclampsia, with very controversial results. Large meta-analyses including individual patient data have demonstrated that aspirin is effective in preventing preeclampsia in high-risk patients, mainly those with a history of preeclampsia. However, guidelines regarding the usage of aspirin to prevent preeclampsia differ considerably from one country to another. Screening modalities, target population, and aspirin dosage are still a matter of debate. In this review, we report the pharmacodynamics of aspirin, its main effects according to dosage and gestational age, and the evidence-based indications for primary and secondary prevention of preeclampsia.

Facial anti-inflammatory mask

Hello dear readers, 

This recipe for an anti-inflammatory mask has way too many ingredients; however, I do not want to subtract any of them since they all have proven inflammation-quenching qualities. 

If you a missing an ingredient or two, you can still go ahead and try it.

Here it is:
1 tsp of plain yogurt (any type, any fat content)
1/2 tsp raw honey
1 tsp or less of apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
3 drops of tea tree oil
3 crushed aspirin pills (uncoated)
a pinch of turmeric powder

Mix all in a plastic cup. Be careful to apply only on your face (turmeric stains everything). I keep the mask on my face until the mixture dries out and tightens the skin. Wash with water. If you are afraid that your skin will acquire yellow glow from the turmeric powder, then shorten the treatment. 

I routinely leave the mask for an hour on my face and if there is any residual color, I wipe off the skin with my recipe cleanser.

Forever young, part I

How do you maintain your youthful good looks? 

Do you spend big bucks on cosmetics, surgeries, or spas? 


If you watch The Truth About Looking Young, a BBC documentary, you will find out that the choice to look young is in your hands, or rather - on your table. A well-known truth is being recited, "...sugar can make you look older..." Not to mention the health benefits of NOT eating sugar.
 
Other than keeping diet rich in fresh fruit and veggies, and void of sugar, you could prepare your own beauty remedies at home. These recipes do not include a hefty list of chemicals and will save you money.  Below are some of my tested recipes.
 
Skin cleanser
Mix 1/3 cup of Witch Hazel (sold in all pharmacies), 1/3 cup of water (I use tap water), 1/3 cup of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother (this vinegar is usually found in specialized food stores, but you can buy it from Amazon), and 5 - 6 drops of tea tree oil (I was able to find this in the local RiteAid; however, it is also available from Amazon). Mix all ingredients in a bottle (I use an empty old bottle from Witch Hazel). 

I keep the cleanser at room temperature, and clean my face in the morning and in the evening. If you are allergy-prone, always check for allergy by spotting some of the homemade remedies on the skin inside of your elbow and watch for skin reaction within 48 hours.

Anti-inflammatory facial mask

I found a similar recipe on Internet and decided to give it a try. I have been using the mask for over a month now and I believe that it reduces inflammation, but it does not dramatically improve severe acne.  I use four aspirins without coating (I found these in a Dollar store), 1/2 spoon of raw honey, and a few drops of apple cider vinegar (or tap water). 

Preparation:
Crush the four aspirins with a mortar and pestle, add the honey and a few drops of water (or apple cider vinegar, if you prefer). Mix until smooth. Keep the mask on your face for at least 20 minutes. I keep mine for an hour and repeat it 3 - 4 times a week. To remove the mask, wet your hands and rub the material with gentle circular movements.  The aspirin powder exfoliates when one applies this "massage" to remove the mask. If you have severe acne, gently wash off the material, do not rub the skin.

Check Forever Young Part II and this video if you have a pimple problem!

The following video is on skin improvement after acne scaring and pigmentation:

  

The anti-cancer drugs are in your medicine cabinet

Did you read about the recent findings that aspirin may prevent some types of cancer not only through suppressing inflammation, but also through decreasing the levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate, and thus, interfering with the metabolism of neoplastic cells?  

This report followed a series of publications that revealed the beneficial effects of vitamin C against some common types of cancer. 

It seems that in addition to good diet and physical activity, some cancer prevention drugs are already in our medicine cabinets.

PS. Here is a link for more on vitamin C and cancer.