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.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Nerve pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the prostate due to infection.
- Pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve (sciatica).
- Infections of the kidney, bladder or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of aspen for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin that may reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).
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.
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.
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.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
Álamo Temblón, American Aspen, European Aspen, Peuplier Faux-Tremble, Populi Cortex, Populi Folium, Populus tremuloides, Populus tremula, Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen, Zitter-Pappel.
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