Latin name: Sassafras officinalis
Common name(s): Ague Tree, Cinnamon wood, Sassafras, Smelling Stick
Sassafras has been used for centuries as a tonic for the blood. It is excellent for treating venereal disease such as gonorrhea and syphilis. It can be used to help aid in the addiction to alcohol and tobacco. It was used by Indians and early settlers to treat syphilis. It works great in bringing relief from itching due to psoriasis and poison ivy.
The gum from the inside of the branches can be used to treat and relief sore eyes. It makes a good tonic for mothers after they have given birth. Sassafras has amazing blood cleansing abilities which eliminates toxins from the body and heals acne and other skin disorders from the inside of the body according to ‘Herbs Natural Remedies’ by Jonas Yoder.
Sassafras is a deciduous tree that has deep fissured bark and is very aromatic in its smell. It grows rough ovate leaves that are cut mostly into three lobes of equal size yet sometimes in one lateral lobe by itself. In the spring it blooms yellowish-green flowers in clusters which are then followed by ovoid deep blue fruits on red stalks. The parts of the plant that are used in herbal healing are the bark, leaves and roots.
Sassafras is excellent for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints and pains. It works well in healing colic especially in small children. Sassafras is great for treating acne and psoriasis. You should be careful when using Sassafras because using it in excess can cause vomiting, collapse and even kidney and liver damage. The essential oil is toxic and a few drops can kill an infant or a small child.
Sassafras is an alterative, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, aromatic, blood purifier, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, parasiticide and stimulant. Sassafras is a warming sweet herb that relieves pain and improves digestion. It has a sweet fennel like aroma and increases perspiration which aids in reducing fevers.
Sassafras root can be used to make a wash to treat lice, insect bites and sore eyes. Sassafras tea has been used for centuries to calm nerves and relieve stressful tension. A wash made from the Sassafras root can be used to treat boils, sores and wounds because of it excellent antiseptic properties.
Sassafras can be used to treat the following:
Acne, after birth pains, arthritis, blood purifier, boils, bronchitis, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestion disorders and problems, gastrointestinal complaints and pains, gonorrhea, hair growth, kidney disorders and problems, menstrual pain, obesity, perspiration, poison ivy and poison oak, psoriasis, rheumatism, skin disease, spasms, syphilis, toothache, varicose ulcers and water retention.