The Dangers Of Sassafras Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Alternative Health The Dangers Of Sassafras By Julie-Ann Amos Reviewed: November 14, 2017Fact-CheckedWhen it comes to natural supplements and food additives with a bad reputation, sassafras makes the list. This particular tree-based herbal supplement has a recorded use that goes back centuries. It is a noted ingredient in everything from tea to gumbo, but despite its popularity among Native Americans and early settlers, the use of sassafras does come with some hefty warnings. Whether used in sassafras cooking, baking or drinking, there are some compelling reasons to stay away from this plant product, once considered a powerful tonic. If you are considering harvesting your own sassafras or seeking it out in ready-made supplement or extract form, it is worth learning more before diving into the use of sassafras.What Is Sassafras?Sassafras is a tree commonly found throughout the eastern United States that grows up to about 60 feet in height. Sassafras flowers are small, attractive, bright yellow-to-green blossoms. The tree is also commonly called cinnamon wood, saloop, ague and even saxifras.In recipes for sassafras cooking and herbal remedies both, it is the root or bark of the root that is most commonly used. The leaves, however, are indicated in some recipes for sassafras tea.How Is Sassafras Used?Native Americans are commonly credited for the introduction of sassafras to the rest of the world. The tree was used for a variety of medicinal purposes and found itself as a staple in many different recipes. Its popularity was quite high during early American settlement. Sassafras was one of the first and largest exports from the New World to Europe for consumption and for medical purposes.There are a number of potential uses of sassafras in not only medicine, but also cooking. The site mentions that sassafras cooking once included the use of its roots for creating root beer. It has also been used to thicken soups, enhance flavors through sassafras baking and more. Sometimes, sassafras is also used in lotions and perfumes.One of the most common uses of sassafras, however, seems to involve the creation of sassafras tea. This drink is made by steeping dried roots to brew a tea. The main ingredient that makes sassafras stand out is safrole, once believed to have medicinal purposes.Although used all over the Americas and Europe, sassafras is no longer in the demand it once was. It can still be found on the market in sassafras tea form and for use in cosmetics, but many consider the ingredient pleasant tasting, but unsafe.Benefits of SassafrasWhile many locations cite Native Americans' frequent use of sassafras as a medicinal agent, there is little evidence to support this. According to YouQA.com, "An overriding consideration in this entire matter of the safety and efficacy of sassafras is that the plant material has no really significant medical or therapeutic utility."Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support its use, there are a number of potential benefits of sassafras, sassafras tea and other methods of consumption. Sassafras may also be noted as a good blood thinner.Blue Shield California notes, "Eclectic physicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries considered sassafras a useful diaphoretic (a substance that causes sweating) and diuretic plant, primarily for relieving rheumatism and fevers, and as part of the treatment of urinary tract infections." Sassafras was once believed to be a cure for syphilis as well as a treatment for head lice and even eczema.The medicinal benefits of sassafras cooking, baking or drinking remain very sketchy. Despite this, many do believe that the roots of this tree and its bark are quite useful. Beyond medicinal uses, sassafras was once (and in some cases remains) highly prized for its flavor, which is somewhat citrus-like and spicy by nature.The Downfalls of SassafrasSassafras is no longer considered safe for human consumption, especially when safrole oil is included. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently prohibits sassafras bark, oil, and safrole as flavorings or food additives.Among one of the biggest potential pitfalls of sassafras is its reported link with cancer. The FDA banned sassafras use in 1979 following research that showed it caused cancer in rats. "While the amount of sassafras that could potentially cause cancer in humans remains unknown, one cup of strong sassafras tea is reported to contain as much as 200 mg of safrole, an amount that is four times higher than the amount considered potentially hazardous to humans if consumed regularly," claims Blue Shield.The U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedLine Plus website also discusses the potential problems that can arise due to sassafras overdose. When too much oil is consumed, poisoning can take place. This is when hallucinations, heart palpitations and other concerns can come in. MedLine even indicates serious ramifications are possible from overdose. "Sassafras oil is considered very toxic. Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal."Finding Sassafras TodayAlthough the U.S. FDA has banned the use of safrole as a food additive and flavoring, sassafras and products containing sassafras can still be located. In many cases, these products involve the use of a safrole-free extract. Products containing sassafras include such things as sassafras tea, essential oils and more.Despite its ban, sassafras tea is still produced and sold in some locations. GlenbrookFarm.com, for example, carries a sassafras tea concentrate. Other locations still offer recipes for homemade brews, as well. SouthernHumorists.com provides a variety of recipes using sassafras, including such finds as sassafras jelly, candy and even mead. Most products marketed today that include sassafras do so without the inclusion of safrole.This doesn’t mean you should be cautious and do your research.Sassafras has a spotty history at best. Despite its widespread use in early America, the ban on it currently makes this a potential herbal treatment that many recommend avoiding at all costs. With side effects that range from allergies to hallucinations and potential issues with cancer attached, sassafras no longer maintains the popularity it did years ago. Still, many enjoy the flavorful addition sassafras presents in teas, candy and other creations. Always Consult Your Physician FirstIt is helpful to prepare yourself with health information by reading and talking to friends, but always consult your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. 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