Condition
Treatment Support
warming diuretic
Application
tea, tincture
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
Christopher Hobbs:
“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.”
Historical Uses
- Indigenous people used sassafras for various ailments, such as fevers, colds, and skin conditions.
- In European folk medicine, sassafras was employed as a detoxifying agent and for treating infections.
Modern Clinical Uses (Herbalists and Naturopaths)
- Herbalists use sassafras as a stimulant, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and to treat conditions like arthritis, respiratory issues, and digestive complaints.
- It is also considered an effective tonic for detoxifying the body and supporting liver health.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Sassafras contains compounds like safrole, which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects.
- Safrole has been studied for its potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- However, safrole is considered a carcinogen, and its use in foods and certain preparations has been restricted by the FDA.
Clinical Trials
- Few modern clinical trials have studied sassafras extensively due to its safety concerns related to safrole. Research has been largely restricted to the study of safrole’s effects in animals or in vitro.
- Some studies show potential benefits in liver detoxification and anti-inflammatory actions, but no conclusive human trials support its use as a mainstream treatment.
Conclusion
While sassafras has historical and traditional uses, its clinical application is limited by safety concerns, primarily due to the toxic effects of safrole. As such, it is generally not recommended for widespread or long-term use in modern herbal or naturopathic practice.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
The safety of sassafras is controversial due to safrole’s toxic and carcinogenic effects. It can cause liver damage and increase the risk of cancer when consumed in large amounts or over prolonged periods.
Sassafras oil and safrole are banned as food additives in many countries due to these health risks.
Dosages
Sassafras is generally used in herbal preparations, such as teas, tinctures, and extracts. However, due to safety concerns, dosages are typically kept low, and it is not recommended for prolonged use.
Not for use during pregnancy. Sassafras contains the essential oil ingredient, safrole, which has demonstrated carcinogenic activity in animals, which has provoked the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the trade of the herb.
Conditions treated with Sassafras
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
diaphoretic
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tea as a wash
Condition
Treatment Support
warming diuretic
Application
tea, tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
