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Herbs & Supplements
Ague Tree
Scientific Name: Sassafras
Other Names: Cinnamon Wood, Saloop, Sassafras albidum, Sassafras officinale, Saxifras
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Uses
NOTE: Taking sassafras in any oral form is discouraged strongly. The sale of products that contain significant amounts of safrole (a major chemical in sassafras) is prohibited by law in both Canada and the United States.
In 1960, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras oil and safrole in foods and drugs based on the animal studies and human case reports. Several years later, the sale of sassafras oil, roots, or tea was prohibited by law. Subsequently, both Canada and the United States have passed laws against the sale of any consumable products (such as beverages, foods, cosmetics, and health products) that contain more than specific small amounts of safrole.
In 1960, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras oil and safrole in foods and drugs based on the animal studies and human case reports. Several years later, the sale of sassafras oil, roots, or tea was prohibited by law. Subsequently, both Canada and the United States have passed laws against the sale of any consumable products (beverages, foods, cosmetics, health products such as toothpaste, and others) that contain more than specific small amounts of safrole.
Topically, sassafras oil may relieve the pain and inflammation of insect bites. It may have some anti-infective properties, which might also help to prevent infection of bites and minor skin rashes. It has also been used to kill lice. Other topical products are more effective than sassafras oil; however, and the risk of accidental ingestion makes sassafras oil unsafe to keep--especially in areas where small children or pets may be attracted by its pleasant smell.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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