Sassafras
- Origin
- North America
- Part used
- Leaves, Root
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
A tree of North America's eastern forests, sassafras long accompanied Indigenous peoples and then settlers, who valued its fragrant bark and mucilaginous leaves. Its scented root, evoking both anise and lemon, made it an emblematic plant of folk remedies and refreshing drinks of the New World. Today its use is surrounded by precautions owing to the natural presence of safrole, a compound now closely monitored.
Traditional uses
Traditional support for colds
The dried root was traditionally infused to accompany seasonal chills and mild feverish states, notably in the folk pharmacopoeia of the Appalachians.
Spring cleansing tea
Sassafras root decoctions were among the "spring teas" said to purify the blood and stimulate digestion after winter, according to American herbalist tradition.
Soothing external use
The leaves, once crushed or infused, were sometimes applied as a poultice to soothe minor skin irritations.
A controversial traditional use
Certain folk traditions report a use of sassafras related to women's cycles, but this use remains poorly documented scientifically and must be approached with great caution.
Before you use it
The root and its essential oil contain safrole, a substance whose regular or concentrated consumption is discouraged owing to its potential liver toxicity and suspected carcinogenicity. Use is formally discouraged during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and in young children. Avoid any prolonged or high-dose consumption; favor occasional, moderate use, after advice from a health professional. Do not use pure sassafras essential oil internally, as it is strictly regulated in many countries.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PubMed, Wikipedia