What is sassafras leaf used for?

It has smooth bark and fragrant leaves, both of which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat ailments like diarrhea, colds, skin diseases, and more (1). Sassafras has also been used to thicken foods, brew tea, and produce filé powder — a seasoning used in Creole cuisine.

What is the common name for Sassafras albidum?

SCS PLANT CODE : SAAL5 COMMON NAMES : sassafras white sassafras common sassafras ague tree cinnamon wood smelling stick saloop gumbo file mitten tree TAXONOMY : The currently accepted scientific name of sassafras is Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees.

Does Sassafras albidum contain safrole?

Sassafras albidum is known to contain safrole, isosafrole, anethole, and eugenol. The propenyl benzene derivatives eugenol and anethole are known to be weak hepatotoxins [73,74]. Safrole has been reported to be a hepatocarcinogen [75–77].

Are sassafras tree leaves edible?

The twigs and leaves are both edible, and can be eaten raw or added to soups for flavor. Although it seems strange, dried sassafras leaves are actually very important spice in some dishes. Native Americans and early colonists, however, did not use sassafras roots for pleasure or spices; they used them as medicine!

How do you use sassafras leaves?

Often, the leaf was used to flavor and thicken soups and sauces. Adapted by the Creole culture of the southern United States, sassafras leaves have become an integral part in regional culinary dishes like gumbo. Aromatic and warming, the leaf can even be used in tea infusions or in topical applications.

Are sassafras leaves poisonous?

But sassafras tea contains a lot of safrole, the chemical in sassafras that makes it poisonous.

Is Sassafras albidum fruit edible?

Incidentally, the sassafras fruit resembles a blue berry in a red cup. It is NOT edible.

How do you make sassafras tea leaves?

People who learn how to make sassafras tea at home may use either the leaves or parts of the root. It is prepared as many traditional herbal teas are prepared, pouring hot water over the leaves and allowing them to steep.

Why is sassafras banned?

Safrole and oil of sassafras has been banned as a food additive by the FDA due to carcinogenic concerns, and should not be used to treat medical conditions. Sassafras is a perennial tree native to Eastern United States.

Is sassafras tea safe to drink?

It was also used as a tea. But sassafras tea contains a lot of safrole, the chemical in sassafras that makes it poisonous. One cup of tea made with 2.5 grams of sassafras contains about 200 mg of safrole. This is about 4.5 times the dose that researchers think is poisonous.