Sassafras
(Sassafras albidum)
Also know as Common sassafras
Botanical Information
An aromatic deciduous tree with broad one-to-three lobed leaves, small yellow flowers, small bright blue fruits in the laurel family.
Working with Sassafras
Part(s) Used
Root Bark
Herb Forms
Bulk herb, tincture.
Affects
Sassafras is used externally as a wash for poison oak and insect bites. Taken as a tea, sassafras is used as a diaphoretic during colds and flu and is a traditional "blood purifier" taken in the spring as part of a cleansing program. The root bark provides much of the flavor one associates with root beer, and it is used to form an important part of a traditional root beer brew, along with burdock and other cleansing herbs. As a warming diuretic, it is useful for arthritic and rheumatic conditions.
Sassafras has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Not for use during pregnancy. Sassafras contains the essential oil ingredient, safrole, which has demonstrated carcinogenic activity in animals–this has provoked the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the trade of the herb. Many herbalists feel t
