Sassafras is a type of tree found in the North American region. It is also known as Ague Tree, and the scientific species that it belongs to is Sassafras albidum. It is one of the autumnal attractions alongside the maple tree, as the leaves of the sassafras tree also turn a bright yellow and orange during autumn. It also has yellow bright flowers that are about 2 inches big that also bloom in the autumn season. These flowers are grown in clusters and bunches of many.
Sassafras tree has a fragrant smell. It also bears fruits that are dark blue in colour and are as small as half an inch. While this tree has fruits, flowers and leaves that are fragrant and look beautiful, the tree is mainly known for the tea that is produced from its root bark. It was traditionally used by people that are native to the eastern parts of North America for medicinal use.
The root barks are also used today as a base for many root beers. It was and still is one of the main flavouring agents of root beer. However, it was stopped a few years ago, as there were studies that found that it caused liver cancer in rats when it was consumed in high amounts. Since beer is usually drunk in huge quantities, the FDA asked companies to stop using sassafras roots in root beer. There is still no scientific evidence that the effect it has on rats is the same effect it will have on humans, in fact, there are many such commonly used ingredients that are deadly for rats but perfectly safe for human consumption. While the root was taken out of the beer, the sassafras flavour was still used by artificial flavouring agents, to make root beers taste delicious.
Sassafras has always been used for medicinal regions by native people in America. The root of sassafras consists of many nutrients that are released when it is made into tea. The tea of sassafras roots is very easy to make. All it requires is safrole-free dried sassafras roots. Safrole is the oil in sassafras that is said to consist of toxins. Those dried roots are to be added to a pot of water and boiled for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add any other flavouring of spices or sweeteners as per your taste.
How to make sassafras tea?
Sassafras tea is a tasty and fragrant herbal tea often used to reduce inflammation, treat skin conditions, and promote general health. To make sassafras tea, start by boiling 2 cups of water. Once the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of sassafras root bark or 1 teaspoon of sassafras leaves to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes then turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the tea to sit for 10 more minutes before straining it into a cup or teapot. You can sweeten the tea with honey or sugar if desired. Enjoy your cup of sassafras tea and all its health benefits!
Health benefits of Sassafras tea
Sassafras tea has a list of health benefits. Some of them are as follows.
Reduces Inflammation
Sassafras tea helps in reducing inflammation. Some amount of inflammation is necessary for the body for its functions, this is known as acute inflammation. However, when it becomes a chronic issue, it can cause various problems such as diabetes, cancer, constant body aches and even arthritis. This tea, when consumed regularly and in proper amounts, can help get rid of the pain caused by inflammation.
Good for Skin
Sassafras tea has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. That is, it consists of such nutrients in it that fight against the bacteria in the body. It is said that when this tea is consumed in an amount that is moderate to low, it can help reduce the consequences of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin-related issues.
Sassafras tea is a wonderful way to help your skin become healthy. It has many antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and free radical damage in the skin. The tea can also provide an increase in collagen production, which helps keep skin looking plump and youthful. Additionally, the tea contains vitamins C that can help protect the skin from environmental toxins while nourishing it from within. It also contains anti-microbial properties that can fight off bacterial infections that cause breakouts and discoloration of the skin. Drinking a cup of sassafras tea every day can be an effective way to improve the health of your skin over time.
Can Solve Digestive Issues
Since sassafras tea helps reduce inflammation, it also reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, aiding the digestion process. It also helps in regulating bowel movements that result in solving both the issues of diarrhoea as well as constipation.
Can Help Break Fever
Sassafras has been traditionally used to heal fever. Certain fevers are caused due to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties that exist in sassafras roots fight these inflammation-causing agents and help break fevers that may seem difficult to get through.
Improves Blood Circulation
Sassafras tea has natural blood thinning properties in it. It is anticoagulant in nature which helps the thinning of the blood. This helps prevent blood clot issues in the heart or other heart problems such as heart attack, etc. It is important to talk to your doctor before consuming this though, especially if you are a patient suffering from heart disease.
Helps with Kidney Health
It is believed that sassafras tea is a natural diuretic, that is, it increases the production of urine in the body. This helps the body get rid of excess water and salts. This helps the kidney in the filtration process, easing its function.
May treat high blood pressure
Sassafras tea is known to be a natural remedy that can help treat high blood pressure. The herb has diuretic properties which help reduce high blood pressure by increasing the amount of urine and eliminating excess salt from the body. It has also been known to reduce inflammation, which can help reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.
Boosts overall immunity
Sassafras tea has several beneficial compounds, such as safrole, tannins, and flavonoids. These compounds have antioxidant properties that help fight off free radicals in the body, which can lead to various diseases. Additionally, sassafras tea contains Vitamin C as well as minerals like iron and manganese, all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. It also helps reduce inflammation and can be used to treat respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma. All these benefits combined make sassafras tea a great choice for boosting immunity and overall health.
Are there any side effects of sassafras tea?
Although sassafras tea has numerous health benefits, it also comes with severe side effects. The most important thing about sassafras tea is that it is related to cancer. In fact, The Food And Drug Administration banned the usage of sassafras oil in 1960. There are other side effects of drinking sassafras tea as well.
Can cause cancer
Sassafras tea has been linked to cancer due to a compound called safrole, which is found in sassafras roots. Safrole has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and it is thought to cause cancer when consumed in large quantities. Ingesting sassafras tea can also increase the risk of liver damage, sweating and hot flashes as it contains safrole. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming sassafras tea, as even small amounts may increase the risk of developing cancer over time. If you are considering drinking sassafras tea, it is best to speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner first or choose a Sassafras tea that is free from safrole.
May react with other medications
Sassafras tea may also have sedative qualities and may interact with sedative medicines such as lorazepam, clonazepam, and diazepam. So, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before introducing this tea in your diet.
Used for making illegal drugs
Isosafrole, a chemical derived from safrole, is used in the manufacture of illegal substances such as MDMA, sometimes known as ecstasy or molly. As a result, the Government does various checks before allowing Sassafras tea to be available in the markets. Under such conditions, various brands tend to remove safrole from the tea.
Precautions
- Always consult a health practitioner or a doctor before consuming Sassafras tea.
- Pregnant and lactating moms should consult their respective doctors before consuming Sassafras tea.
- Children should be kept away from Sassafras tea.
- People who are under certain types of medications should definitely consult their doctor before consuming this tea
- Consume very less amount of Sassafras tea, even it is free from safrole. A controlled potion is always the key to a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the use of sassafras tea for these conditions is limited. More research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of sassafras tea. There are a few studies conducted that do prove the benefits, however, those studies are done on smaller subjects of people, and it is possible that it may not work for everyone. Additionally, sassafras tea should be used with caution, as it contains a chemical called safrole, which is potentially harmful when consumed in large amounts. There are still studies being conducted on the legitimacy of this, yet, it is safer to consume sassafras roots without safrole that are also available in the market.
FAQ’s
Can you drink sassafras tea everyday?
Sassafras tea is made from the dried root of the sassafras tree and has a unique, earthy taste. It is often used to make a refreshing beverage, but can you drink it everyday? Generally speaking, drinking sassafras tea on a regular basis is considered safe. However, it is important to note that the tea contains safrole, which is known to be toxic in high doses. Therefore, if you choose to drink sassafras tea everyday, it’s best to keep your consumption moderate. Additionally, pregnant women should be especially cautious when consuming this.
Is sassafras tea a stimulant?
Sassafras tea is a herbal tea made from the roots of the sassafras tree. It has a unique taste and aroma, and is often used to make root beer. While it does not contain caffeine like other stimulants, sassafras tea may still provide a slight energy boost. The natural compounds present in the bark of this tree may work as mild stimulants, helping to improve alertness and focus without the jitters.
Is sassafras good for your stomach?
Sassafras has a long history of being used as a folk remedy for various ailments, and it is thought to be particularly beneficial for digestive health. It has traditionally been used to soothe an upset stomach and aid digestion, as well as to promote regularity in the bowels. In addition, sassafras may be helpful in reducing inflammation associated with irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.
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