Sassafras albidum

Sassafras albidum
Family:Sassafras albidum; Alterative; Anodyne; Antiseptic; Aromatic; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Stimulant; Vasodilator.
Common name:Sassafras
Sassafras has a long history of herbal use. It was widely employed by many native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a wide range of complaints valuing it especially for its tonic effect upon the body. It is still commonly used in herbalism and as a domestic remedy. The root bark and root pith are alterative anodyne antiseptic aromatic carminative diaphoretic diuretic stimulant and vasodilator. A tea made from the root bark is particularly renowned as a spring tonic and blood purifier as well as a household cure for a wide range of ailments such as gastrointestinal complaints colds kidney ailments rheumatism and skin eruptions. The mucilaginous pith from the twigs has been used as a poultice or wash for eye ailments and is also taken internally as a tea for chest liver and kidney complaints. An essential oil from the root bark is used as an antiseptic in dentistry and also as an anodyne. The oil contains safrole which is said to have carcinogenic activity and has been banned from use in American foods - though it is less likely to cause cancer than alcohol. In large doses the oil is poisonous causing dilated pupils vomiting stupor collapse and kidney and liver damage. The oil has been applied externally to control lice and treat insect bites though it can cause skin irritation.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:58 []