Sassafras is a genus of three extant and one extinct species of deciduous trees in the family Lauraceous, native to eastern North America and eastern Asia.
Sassafras, scientifically known as Sassafras albidum, is a deciduous tree found in the deciduous woodlands and thickets on rich, sandy well-drained soils. The tree grows to a height of 35 meters and spreads to about 20 meters. It comprises of several smooth and orange brown barks, with long and slender branches. The twigs and leaves of the tree when crushed produce a citrus like scent. Native to all the states east of the Mississippi River and Eastern Asia, sassafras belongs to the Laurel family, which also includes bay, camphor and cinnamon. The sassafras leaves have been used for preparing tea, while the bark has been serving as a cooking spice since ages. Apart from the bark and leaves, the branches and roots are used for curing numerous ailments. Sassafras essential oil forms a major component in soaps, candles, perfumes, toothpastes, soft drinks, aromatherapy, and so on. Read on further to know the various health and nutrition benefits of eating sassafras.
In ancient herbal medicine Sassafras was used in the treatment of high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, menstrual and kidney problems, and for skin complaints.
The plant of sassafras is believed to be a nice yard plant as the smell emitted by it makes an excellent repellent for mosquitoes and other insects. The shoots of this plant are used to make root beer (formerly an alcoholic beer, however now a soft drink). The leaves of this plant are used for thickening sauces and soups. The dried powder is used as a spice for Cajun, Creole and other Louisiana cooking. Its pith is used in the US to soothe eye inflammation and ease catarrh.
Being a native to Eastern North America and Eastern Asia, the sassafras tree (botanically called Sassafras albidum) is also called this region's "only native spice". Popular in folk medicine, it was also regarded by rural people as a spring tonic or blood purifier. On account of its peculiar smell pleasant aroma, in about 1860, oil of sassafras was distilled from the root-bark in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Today the oil is manufactured on a large scale in other states, including New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and the New England states.
Europeans got the idea that was a “wonder drug” that could cure almost anything, even the dreaded “new” disease syphilis which had appeared in Europe shortly after Christopher Columbus’ first return voyage. Even better yet, the belief somehow developed that (Sassafras albidum) would retard old age. Thus, in ancient herbal medicine, sassafras was used in the treatment of high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, menstrual, and kidney problems, and for skin complaints.
Benefit & Uses:Sassafras oil remains an obvious choice for the purpose of aromatherapy, so as to enhance physical and mental well-being. It is used by herbalists in aromatherapy and medicinal purposes. The oil is also used to make spicy-sweet perfumes, candles and soaps.
For centuries, people have been using this oil as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. It serves as an effective treatment for rheumatism, breaking a tobacco habit, treating skin rashes and use as a stimulant. Centuries ago, in Europe, sassafras was used to treat syphilis.
Sassafras oil washed on the skin helps cure blemishes and is commonly used to treat many kinds of skin diseases. The oil is known to assist in balancing the hormones in the body and aid the pituitary gland in releasing protein. Sassafras oil stimulates liver action which clears toxins from the body making it an excellent treatment for all internally caused skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Further, it helps relieve pain brought on by inflammatory skin diseases and arthritic conditions, rheumatism and gout.
The root bark is used in preparing a tea that is known as a spring tonic, blood purifier and blood thinner.
The tea is also used as a household cure for a number of ailments, such as gastrointestinal complaints, colds, flu, kidney ailments, arthritis, gout, menstrual obstructions and rheumatism, skin eruptions. The tea contains diuretic properties and hence, is used for treating high blood pressure and eliminating toxins from the body.
The essential oil extracted from the root bark is used as a pain killer and an antiseptic in dentistry. The oil, when applied externally, controls lice and treats insect bites. The boiled roots of the sassafras tree are believed to alleviate bronchitis, a problem affecting the lungs.