Sassafras tree

Sassafras officinale Nees

The sassafras tree (laurel family), native to North America, has long been a local favorite. Europeans also appreciated it. The aromatic wood began to be imported to Europe to obtain sassafras essential oil. The main component of the oil is safrole (up to 93%). Modern studies of this substance indicate that it is toxic. But, as is known, poison in small doses has a healing effect on the body. In folk medicine, the leaves, bark and roots of the sassafras tree have been used for centuries as a panacea for many diseases. Their list is quite impressive: hypertension, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, pneumonia, bronchitis, gastritis, ophthalmia, dysentery, typhoid, fever, gonorrhea, syphilis, kidney disease, skin infections, benign and malignant tumors, etc.

To maintain vitality in the spring, sassafras tea was prepared from the roots and bark.

Sassafras essential oil has a pleasant, fresh, sweetish-woody aroma with a slight hint of camphor. It is from this that the flavoring agent “heliotropin” is obtained.

Medicinal properties

1. Used for upper respiratory tract catarrh, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia.
2. Indicated for digestive disorders, gastritis, dysentery.
3. Effective for chronic gonorrheal urethritis, gonorrhea, syphilis.
4. Recommended for sprains, rheumatism, gout, arthritis.
5. Stimulates menstruation.
6. Used for bruises, bruises, acne, skin diseases.
7. In folk medicine it is known as an analgesic, diaphoretic, antiviral, diuretic, stimulant, diuretic, antitumor, antifever. Used for dropsy, kidney diseases, paratitis, dysmenorrhea, typhus, neuroses, as well as to reduce milk secretion in nursing women.
8. Calms the nervous system.
9. Destroys lice.

Dosage

Prescribed individually by an aromatherapist.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance, pregnancy, epilepsy, increased excitability of the nervous system, mental illness.

Note. Use only under medical supervision. Avoid overdose. Toxic, irritates the mucous membrane.