Sassafras

Sassafras is a tree of the laurel family. The roots of this plant are used, from which essential oil and wood are obtained.

Sassafras grows in extensive forests along the Atlantic coast of North America from Florida to Canada. The trees reach a height of more than 30 meters.

To obtain raw materials in the fall, the roots are dug up, peeled from the bark and crushed. Large blocks of roots are prepared for sale, which are then crushed.

Active ingredients: 1-2% essential oil, which includes safrole, tannins, resin, wax, mucus, sugar, sitosterol.

Previously, sassafras was used as a blood purifier and diuretic. Currently, medical use is limited due to the possible carcinogenic effects of safrole. Sassafras may be an ingredient in some herbal teas.

Overdose causes kidney irritation. Caution must be exercised when using sassafras due to the potentially dangerous content of safrole.