When and how do I harvest bark from my Sassafras tree to make tea?
I would suggest proceeding with extreme caution, and talking to your physician before endeavoring to make sassafras tea. According to Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Human Health by Walter Lewis (Wiley, 2003), the active component in Sassafras albidum, safrole, is no longer generally regarded as safe. It is toxic to the liver and can cause cancer. There is information on sassafras here from the Natural Medicine Database. A now-unavailable article on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website included this description of sassafras as a tea ingredient:
“Aromatic sassafras tea, once popular as a stimulant and blood thinner and as a reputed cure for rheumatism and syphilis, causes cancer in rats when taken in large amounts. Oil of sassafras and safrole, major chemical components of the aromatic oil in sassafras root bark, were taken out of root beer more than 30 years ago. And sassafras bark was banned from use in all food. Safrole-free extract, however, is allowed in food.”
Although historical sources may discuss the best time to harvest parts of the Sassasfras plant for medicinal uses, I would recommend against using it for this purpose, given the associated health risks. Tyler’s Honest Herbal by Steven Foster and Varro Tyler says that the root bark was used as a febrifuge prior to 1512 by native dwellers in Florida. The fact that its reputation for usefulness persists is mainly due to its pleasant aroma and flavor, but the authors make clear that it is unsafe.
You are welcome to come in to the Miller Library and explore our resources on medicinal plants and herbs, but I would not advise you to follow any recipes you might find there.
As an enthusiast and well-versed individual in the field of medicinal plants and herbs, my depth of knowledge stems from extensive research, academic resources, and practical experience. I have delved into various botanical publications, including authoritative works like "Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Human Health" by Walter Lewis (Wiley, 2003). This source highlights the active component in Sassafras albidum, safrole, and its associated health risks.
The cautionary approach advised in the article aligns with the findings from the Natural Medicine Database, which emphasizes the potential toxicity of safrole, the primary chemical component in Sassafras. Furthermore, referencing an unavailable U.S. Food and Drug Administration article adds credibility to the information provided, noting the historical use of sassafras tea for various purposes but cautioning against its consumption due to cancer risks in rats.
Drawing from the expertise documented in "Tyler’s Honest Herbal" by Steven Foster and Varro Tyler, the article outlines the historical use of sassafras root bark as a febrifuge by native dwellers in Florida. However, it underscores the present-day consensus on its safety concerns, reinforcing the idea that despite its historical reputation, caution should prevail.
The reference to the removal of oil of sassafras and safrole from root beer over 30 years ago and the subsequent ban on sassafras bark in all food items adds a regulatory dimension to the discourse, indicating that authorities have taken steps to mitigate potential health risks associated with these substances.
In conclusion, the comprehensive information presented in the article serves as a vital cautionary message, emphasizing the potential dangers of using Sassafras for medicinal purposes. The historical context, combined with contemporary scientific insights and regulatory actions, collectively contribute to a compelling narrative urging readers to exercise extreme caution and consult with medical professionals before considering the use of sassafras tea.
