Health Benefits of Sassafras

Sassafras is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern part of North America and some parts of Asia. Native Americans relied on it for the prevention and treatment of a number of health problems. When the Europeans came, that’s when sassafras tree and news of its potency spread to various parts of the planet.

Due to the really pleasing taste of sassafras, especially extracts of the bark and roots, it is used as flavoring for various food products and even medications. In fact, there was a time when sassafras was used for flavoring root beer. The leaves contain a variety of nutrients, which is why their consumption is being done to this day.

However, sassafras is revered more for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, detoxifying, analgesic, and stimulating properties. Nowadays, you can get your hands on sassafras in tea as well as essential oil form, which should be used with utmost caution.

Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits associated with sassafras:

It Makes Your Immune System Strong

Antimicrobial properties of sassafras make it very effective in making your body more defended against invading bacteria and viruses that can cause a host of diseases. Sassafras is also commonly employed for disinfecting minor wounds and burns, saving them from becoming infected and causing further problems.

It Helps Promote a Better Smile

Traditionally, sassafras is used for boosting oral health. The fact that it has a pleasing taste means that using it orally poses no problem. Antimicrobial properties of sassafras help eliminate microorganisms in your mouth before they get the chance to cause various dental issues, ranging from bad breath, tooth decay to gum disease.

It May Lower Your Risk of Cancer

Just like what’s mentioned earlier, sassafras has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, it may actually help prevent cancer cells from forming and multiplying. It is said that sassafras is just as good as many other superfoods on the face of the planet in helping man wage a war against deadly cancer.

It Promotes the Removal of Toxic Substances

Sassafras also possesses mild diuretic properties, which means that its consumption causes the kidneys to make more urine. This is a good thing because it encourages the prompt removal of various waste products and toxic substances that have accumulated in the bloodstream before they have the opportunity to ruin your health.

It Helps Make Painful Menstruation Bearable

Women who experience all sorts of unfavorable symptoms during their period may count on sassafras to attain much-needed reprieve from all of them. That’s because sassafras has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it so helpful for eliminating the discomforts and drawbacks associated with menstrual periods. 

It Also Relieves Painful and Swollen Joints

Similarly, sassafras is known as an excellent remedy for joints that are stiff, swollen and painful. Again, it has something to with the fact that sassafras has superb analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly, fresh leaves that are harvested from the sassafras tree are the ones placed and secured on the affected joints.

But Just a Quick Word of Caution

Because sassafras is so potent, most especially in the form of essential oil, its usage should be done only with the help of an experienced herbalist or medical professional. Employment of it should be discontinued right away if unfavorable side effects such as nausea and vomiting are experienced.

Pregnant women should refrain from using sassafras or any other preparation that contains it because the potent herb may induce contraction of the uterus and cause abortion. Those who have medical conditions and are taking prescription drugs should let their respective doctors know about their plan on using sassafras.

 

 

Sources: drweil.com

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