Sassafras, Common Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Physical Characteristics

Sassafras albidum is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maine to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked. The young leaves can be added to salads whilst both old and young leaves can be used as a flavouring and as a thickening agent in soups etc[2, 20, 55, 62, 82, 102, 183]. They have a mild aromatic flavour[K]. The leaves are often dried and ground into powder for later use[82, 159, 183]. The young shoots have been used to make a kind of beer[4]. The dried root bark can be boiled with sugar and water until it forms a thick paste[183]. It is then used as a condiment[183]. The root and the berries can also be used as flavourings[55, 142]. Winter buds and young leaves - raw[62, 183]. A tea is made from the root bark, it is considered to be a tonic[18, 20, 55, 62]. The tea can also be made by brewing the root in maple syrup, this can be concentrated into a jelly[183]. A tea can also be made from the leaves and the roots. It is best in spring. A tea can be made from the flowers[2].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne Antirheumatic Antiseptic Aromatic Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Stimulant Vasodilator 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[257]. 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[4, 21, 46, 165]. 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[222, 238, 257]. 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[222]. An essential oil from the root bark is used as an antiseptic in dentistry and also as an anodyne[213]. 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[222]. In large doses the oil is poisonous, causing dilated pupils, vomiting, stupor, collapse and kidney and liver damage[4, 238]. The oil has been applied externally to control lice and treat insect bites, though it can cause skin irritation[238].

Known Hazards

The extracted essential oil is poisonous in large quantities[4, 165]. The essential il contains safrole which is known to be carcinogenic and potentially harmful to the liver[274]. The essential oil has been banned as a food flavouring in America, even though the potential toxicity is lower than that of alcohol[222].