Aspirin

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Aspirin has been around for more than 100 years and is still the most widely-used drug in the world.

Around 100 billion aspirin tablets are made every year and it is often called the wonder drug, because it can be used to treat so many conditions.

There are more than 50 treatments you can buy over the counter that contain aspirin as their main ingredient.

Aspirin could help you with conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes, but you should check with your doctor before you start taking it - as it does carry some risks.

Find out more about aspirin, the uses of aspirin and any side-effects and risks you should be aware of.

What is aspirin?

Aspirin was originally developed by a German chemist in 1897 and is made from a natural ingredient called salicin that can be found in willow trees.

The early trials discovered it worked brilliantly to relieve pain, inflammation and fever, but it wasn't until the 1970s that scientists discovered how aspirin actually works.

Now hardly a year goes by without scientists discovering new uses for aspirin.

By Rob Mansfield