Scientific name: Sassafras albidum, Sassafras officinale, Sassafras randaiense, Sassafras tzumu

Other names: ague tree, Chinese sassafras, cinnamon wood, red sassafras, saloip, saxifrax, silky sassafras, Taiwanese sassafras, tzumu, white sassafras

Medical uses and remedies:

Alterative
Analgesic (anodyne)
Antiseptic
Arthritis
Aromatic
Blood thinner
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Gonorrhea
Gout
Herpes
Rheumatism
Skin conditions
Stimulant
Ulcers

Dosage:

Tea - Make an infusion of 1 tsp. bark, steep in 1 cup water, taking once daily.

Tincture - Take 10-30 drops, once daily.

Cautions and side effects:

Sassafras should not be consumed or used in any manner by pregnant or nursing women. Safrole has been linked to carcinogenic activity and permanent liver damage in animals.

Sassafras may cause excessive sleepiness when used in conjunction with other sedating herbs such as catnip, hops, kava kava, St. John's wort, or valerian. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Volatile oil (1-2 percent, 80 percent of which is safrole)
It is possible to get sassafras products free of safrole.

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.