The myth of using aspirin to cure plants: is there any truth to it?
Of the many "home-spun remedies" that has been popular among lovers of plants since time immemorial, there is the belief that aspirin encourages growth. In particular, expired aspirin is believed to work wonders.
But is there any truth to this? Can aspirin really stimulate plant growth, or help them recover from environmental stress? The answer is not exactly clear, and there have been many studies that have tried to examine this practice. Let's try to clarify things a bit:
Aspirin for plants: how could it be effective?
Aspirin is a medicine containing acetylsalicylic acid, itself an acetylated derivative of salicylic acid, which is a known analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. In short, we use it when we have midl pain or inflammation, including fever. So how can this be useful for plants?
There are actually several studies that have shown that salicylic acid is an essential component of plants' resistance to pathogens. Other research has analyzed the ability of aspirin to help the plant react to adverse environmental conditions, such as the presence of excessive amounts of salt in the soil or osmotic stress (which is linked to salinity deficiency or water shortages).
So, in plants subjected to stress, it has been documented that aspirin can modulate many metabolic processes, including strengthening the defense system against oxidative damage by limiting the accumulation of free radicals.
How to give aspirin to plants
There are various ways to give aspirin to plants, and although you can use expired aspirin, it is likely that it will be less effective. The key factor is to ensure you don't overdose your plants.
Administration of aspirin is always done while watering. Generally, one aspirin per liter of water is recommended (so, 3 aspirins per gallon/3.7 liters). The preparation is simple: completely and thoroughly dissolve the aspirins in the water. Once done, add a few drops of organic dishwashing soap (which helps the solution to adhere to the plant), and mix.
Now, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray on the leaves and stems of the plants.
Usage frequency should be low: it is advisable to spray your plants with this mixture only once a month (and after any overnight dew has evaporated). However, in summer, it is best to do this spraying in the evening when the sun sets or early in the morning.
Have you ever tried this remedy for your plants?