Shedding New Light on the 3 Most Misunderstood Drugs

In our "Under the Microscope" series, we're presenting you with scientific articles about recent discoveries in alternative health. Some of the most commonly used but also misunderstood drugs available today are caffeine, aspirin, and ephedrine.  While some of the side-effects or adverse effects may be valid cause for concern, the upside to all three should be carefully considered.  Taking a take a look at the benefits of all three may shed new light on their many uses and benefits.  Keep reading to discover why caffeine, aspirin and ephedrine, without question, have beneficial properties.


The Benefits of Caffeine, Aspirin and Ephedrine

Caffeine is perhaps the most common or widely used.

1. Benefits of Caffeine

Caffeine, which has its fair share of supporters as well as detractors, has benefits that considerably outweigh its oftentimes bad reputation.  When taken or used in moderation, there are mild stimulating effects on both the cardiovascular system and digestive system, while providing a heightened sense of alertness and activity in the brain.  Many people throughout the world use caffeine in moderation on a daily basis for its ability to increase mood and elevate mental alertness.  The result is often enhanced production on the job and an increased ease in performing tasks requiring concentration.  There is little debate that these effects are popular and do in fact have a positive impact in the lives of many people.

2. Benefits of Aspirin

Aspirin is perhaps one of the most widely used drugs in the world and has been in existence in some form or fashion since the 5th century. With some early abandonment of production of the drug revisited in the late 1890’s, the world was provided with what some people call a true wonder drug.  Aspirin is best known to be an effective blood thinner.  The thinning of the blood makes the blood less sticky and can seriously reduce the risk of both strokes and heart attacks.  If a single aspirin is taken during or immediately after a stroke or heart attack, severity and permanent damaging effects can be greatly reduced. 

Aspirin is also widely accepted as having mild pain relieving properties.  Studies have shown that aspirin has been recognized as having the ability to slow the progress of colon cancer and may even eliminate some other forms of cancer.  An aspirin a day has also been linked to slowing such dementia as Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Benefits of Ephedrine

Ephedrine mimics the effect of both adrenaline, which is naturally produced in the human body and the chemical amphetamine.  Typically used as a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant, ephedrine has a far reaching popularity.  Many people who are overweight take ephedrine in an attempt to lose weight. As fat is burned, a source for more energy is provided. The metabolic rate is increased resulting in weight loss. 

With the ability to heighten perception, ephedrine has long been a source for aiding in concentration.  The belief is that ephedrine will allow for elevated focus and can assist with concentration during meditation or activities requiring deep or prolonged thinking.  The Chinese have long since known of the healing properties of ephedrine and have used it since ancient times in the treatment of flu, chills, colds, fatigue and asthma.