Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Warm, Aromatic

Caution: Safe, however the essential oil is highly toxic in amounts over 5 drops. Do not use if pregnant.

History/Folklore: Sassafras has been used to treat wounds and joint pain. It has also been valued for its ability to improve the flavor of medicinal formulas. A cup of sassafras tea is a traditional spring tonic in the Southern U.S.

The name “sassafras” comes from the French meaning to “break stones.” It has also been called fennel wood due to its distinct aroma. Legend says that Columbus found land in the U.S. by following the scent of the trees.

Native Americans distinguished between white and red sassafras. Both are the same plant but refer to different parts with distinct colors and uses. They have used the plant for thousands of years. The leaves were applied directly to wounds and used to treat acne, urinary disorders and ailments caused by high fevers.

One ounce of crushed root boiled in a pint of water was used to reduce fevers, soothe joint pain, gout, ease menstrual pain, cure scurvy and soothe red and swollen eyes. The essential oil (1-5 drops in boiled water) was used by early 19th century Europeans to treat a variety of ailments, but especially to mask the flavor of opium in potions given to small children to keep them quiet and “well-behaved.” The oil is highly toxic, so only a very small amount is ever used. It can cause vomiting, stupor, spontaneous abortion and death.

Young leaves are quite mucilaginous and produce a citrus-like scent when crushed. The leaves have been used in salads and to flavor fats or cure meats. The leaves have also been dried and powdered to help thicken and flavor soups, including the famous regional Cajun soup called “gumbo.” The leaves should be simmered gently and never boiled. The twigs have been used as toothbrushes or fire starters. The dried bark, steeped in tea with milk and sugar was a popular drink in England called “saloop.” The essential oil was used in liniments to help heal wounds and sores.

Thought to be a blood purifier and effective against excess mucous discharge, the plant was regarded as a cure for syphilis and gonorrhea.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine sassafras is used to treat rheumatism and trauma.

The largest known sassafras tree is said to live in Kentucky, U.S. and measures over 100 feet high and 21 feet in circumference.

The wood is used in China, Europe and the U.S for building ships and making furniture. The trees played an important role in European colonization of the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The fragrant essential oil found in most of the tree has been used to make soap, cosmetics, and other toiletries. The oil is difficult to find ans is often found adulterated with camphor.

The constituent safrole found in sassafras can be toxic. However, it is practically insoluble in water so passes through the body safely. Because of its possible toxic side-effects it was commercially banned in the U.S. as being potentially carcinogenic. It should be noted that this same constituent is also found in green tea, pepper, nutmeg and pepper, and they are not banned. Sassafras has been used for centuries without causing harm and doing much good. It is a valuable herb and food.

The leaves, bark, twigs, stems and fruit are all eaten by birds, white-tailed deer, rabbits and porcupines in small quantities.