May Be an Effective Treatment for Certain Cancers The compounds in sassafras, though considered carcinogens in some ways, have been the subject of anticancer research for some time. * Diuretic: Sassafras root bark may help to increase urine production and promote the removal of excess fluid from the body. OTHER NAME(S): Ague Tree, Bois de Cannelle, Cinnamon Wood, Common. [4], Modern research has determined that sassafras not only has analgesic properties, but also antiseptic ones, and these natural anti-microbial properties are ideal for boosting the immune system. Although its not commercially produced in the U.S., sassafras tea and sassafras root beer are still homegrown favorites in many areas where the trees are found. Sassafras has been used in many common ways, including medicinally, culinary, and aromatic purposes. The volatile oil of sassafras is believed to be the major active constituent of the plant. Over the decades, it has been promoted for treatment of a wide array of conditions, including urinary tract disorders, inflammation . [20], For women suffering from the painful symptoms of menstruation, such as bloating, cramping, and heavy bleeding, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of sassafras are a boon. The bark contains three major compounds: The only one of these three that is not permitted for use within the U.S. (and several other countries) is safrole. The analgesic properties of sassafras are well known, and the leaves of this tree were often wrapped around wounds for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic nature. Therapeutic Research Center. The researchers concluded, The present results indicate that camphor induces both cold and warm sensations and improves blood circulation. (25). Evidence Based. Thats because it contains safrole, a compound that has been banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to its potentially toxic effects (1, 2). Roots may be dried and used for tea and were formerly used as the flavoring for root beer. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. The use of sassafras has become controversial over the past few decades. Height/Weight. The benefits of sassafras are widely reported on the internet. (. ) Sassafras is a plant. Interesting. Also, isosafrole, a compound synthesized from safrole, is used in the production of illegal drugs like MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly (11). Ginger also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. American beavers will cut and use sassafras as well. Chemical composition of essential oil from the root bark of Sassafras albidum. This tree is packed with impressive nutrients, which is partly why it remained such an important resource. Sassafras has a uniquely pleasant taste, which is why it is most commonly used to flavor other medicines, but that is not to take away from its individual potency. (. ) The leaves and pith, when dried and powdered, have been used as a thickener in soups. Manufacturers have started removing safrole during processing, and you can now purchase sassafras root bark without safrole at many health stores and herb suppliers in dry or powder form. The Benefits of Sassafras 1. Researchers at the School of Nursing at Asahikawa Medical Universityapplied petroleum jelly containing 5 percent, 10 percent and 20 percent camphor or 2 percent menthol separately to nine adult participants. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking sassafras root bark and to purchase it from a reputable supplier. Exploring the appropriate potential and development of sassafras as well as safrole as an anticancer agent needs to be supported by further research and clinical studies. Sassafras has many important health benefits, including its ability to cleanse the body, eliminate colds, boost kidney health, relieve pain, boost the immune system, soothe inflammation, reduce menstruation pain, increase energy, and protect dental health. (29), Proponents of sassafras usage have stated that this ban is not consistent with other legal substances. Some health experts (most notably, Dr. Andrew Weil) still say that drinking sassafras tea is probably safe in moderation. Chewing on the leaves or drinking a cup of sassafras tea is an ideal way to rev up your internal engines and overcome excess fatigue or weakness. Another research in the International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology studied its anti-hepatoma effects. The leaves are used in thickening soups. [6], Although safrole, an ingredient present in sassafras, has been the attention of controversy for some reason, it has also been of interest for its anticancer potential. (. ) This makes it a potential natural remedy for conditions such as edema and high blood pressure. The sassafras drug (as well as ecstasy or Molly) has been implicated in various overdose deaths and is considered a very addictive substance. Here are 8 herbal teas to help reduce bloating. For example, for mice, it takes only about 51 mg/kg/day to induce cancer. The presence of tannic acid and a unique compound called Sassafrid is believed to provide these benefits and protective measures to the skin. Sassafras bark is a distinctive flavor once known as a major ingredient in root beer. Even though these facts might be discouraging, you may be surprised to know that regular research is conducted on the benefits of sassafras to the human body. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. This article reviews the benefits, safety, and side. Sassafras might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. If this were to happen, the presence of safrole could cause an interruption in plaque within the body and possibly contribute to cardiac events like heart attack or stroke. Sassafras, cinnamon wood, red sassafras, golden elm, saxifraxtree, sassafac, aguetree. Native American Indians sassafras the local drug store. In animal studies, safrole has been shown to cause liver cancer and is classified as a carcinogenic substance. All rights reserved. Taking sassafras along with medications that increase breakdown of other medications by the liver might cause chemicals in sassafras to be metabolized to more toxic forms. (4). However, in 1976, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put the kibosh on its commercial use, citing studies in the 1960s that showed a chemical in sassafras called safrole causes cancer in rats. , I have seen people successfully reverse this chronic condition just by adjusting what they eat and drink. It is known for its unique flavor and has been used for digestive issues, fever reduction, diuretic effects, pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin health. last updated - July 28, 2020 This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Test-tube studies show that sassafras and its components may reduce inflammation, act as a diuretic, and help treat leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection. J Natl.Cancer Inst. All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice. A 2015 study that focused on the viability of safrole as a carcinogen in the case of gastric cancer, found it to induce apoptosis. (, is actually a genus of tree encompassing three living and one extinct species of tree. Others suggest using the essential oil from the bark as an antiseptic, lice treatment and insect bite remedy. Some medications that might increase the breakdown of chemicals in sassafras include omeprazole (Prilosec) and others. Generally, when you hear people refer to it, they are most likely referring to sassafras albidum, grown widely in North America. (30). Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Images are provided by Shutterstock & our contributors. Sassafras Tea Sassafras tea has been a popular beverage for over three centuries in the lower Mississippi valley. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. Since sassafras thrives in full sun but is often overshadowed many taller hardwoods, sassafras is happy on the edge of forests and in places where large trees have fallen. 2010;2(9):22892332. Nutritional Benefits & How to Grow Them, 18 Keto Snacks: Full of Healthy Fats + Delicious, Top 5 Benefits of Taro Root (Plus How to Add It to Your Diet), The Major Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (Plus How to Follow It). Traditionally, sassafras has been used for many topical issues and skin health is no exception. Sassafras is also linked with some serious health risks, such as liver cancer and damage, cardiovascular risks, risks in pregnancy, and others. (21). 5 Sassafras bark, sassafras oil, and safrole are currently prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from use as flavorings or . For years, sassafras was grown for the supposedly-medicinal properties of the fragrant roots and bark but it is the outstanding fall display of foliage which should bring it into the garden today. Herbal teas have a wide variety of tastes, flavors and even health benefits. Sassafras albidum and Sassafras randaiense grow 30 to 60 ft. (9 - 18 m) tall. Therefore, it is never recommended to consume sassafras while pregnant. Pure sassafras has some significantly powerful health benefits associated with it in research, including cancer treatment, diabetes management, parasite-fighting capability and more. (. Pomelos are rich in vitamin C & potassium among other nutrients & antioxidants. Native Americans distinguished between white sassafras and red sassafras, which to be clear refers to the same plant but to different parts with distinct colors and uses(1). Safrole has been shown to stimulate cancer growth in animal studies, and its banned by the FDA for use as a food additive. The root bark of the sassafras plant has been used for centuries by indigenous people for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. Sassafras has been used for centuries to treat multiple conditions ranging from blood purifications to stomach complaints, particularly by various Native American tribes. dizziness have been reported. (. Sassafras is known to reduce fevers, relieve eye inflammation, ease symptoms of menstruation, help with parturition pain (childbirth), soothe rheumatism, gout and even dropsy. If you like root beer, you might enjoy sassafras tea. Sassafras is a plant. It is prepared as many traditional herbal teas are prepared, pouring hot water over the leaves and allowing them to steep. For centuries, people around the world have used sarsaparilla to treat arthritis and heal skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Since the research is so inconsistent (remember above where I referenced the studies where sassafras compounds actually may help prevent certain cancers? Safrole-containing sassafras root bark is still available, but for legal purposes, it can only be sold as a topical skin wash or potpourri. (1). This juice also helps in soothing acidity. Sassafras bark and roots were thought to have medicinal properties, and sassafras tea was one of North America's first exports. Here are some of the potential benefits of sassafras root bark: * Digestive aid: Sassafras root bark has been traditionally used to treat indigestion, bloating, and other digestive issues. It is not known if sassafras root bark is safe for use during breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it. (, EndoMT is a complicated biological process that has only recently been studied for the way it may impact the spread of fibrotic disorders like cancer. On the other hand, all three of them can positively impact the human body in some ways. In fact, one test-tube study found that multiple compounds in sassafras, including sassarandainol, blocked the activity of enzymes that trigger inflammation (3). The researchers concluded, The present results indicate that camphor induces both cold and warm sensations and improves blood circulation. (, Its a controversial topic. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Sassafras tea is still used for pain-relieving purposes, and topical applications for aches and pains are popular in some natural healing communities. Its common in the tropics, subtropics, and certain areas of Southern Europe (8). Dates are sweet fruitsof the date palm tree. When studying rat and mice models, researchers have found that both safrole and methyleugenol cause malignant liver tumors. If you experience any symptoms like sweating, vomiting, or hot flashes, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider. Are popular in some ways remained such an important resource used in many common ways including... Include omeprazole ( Prilosec ) and others as well Andrew Weil ) say... Improves blood circulation still used for centuries by indigenous people for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes aromatic.... 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