Sassafras

Safrole, which makes up roughly 80% of sassafras root-bark oil, causes liver tumors in animal studies and is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The FDA removed safrole from approved food additives in 1960 and banned sassafras bark for food/tea in the 1970s — a rare case of banning a whole natural food because the toxic compound is too concentrated to separate out in home use. Some argue typical historical exposures were modest, but there is no established safe medicinal dose, and no proven health benefit to weigh against the risk.

Benefits

SAFETY-REFERENCE ENTRY — not recommended for medicinal or beverage use. Historically used by Native Americans and colonists as a 'blood purifier
' spring tonic
and the original flavoring of root beer and sassafras tea. Modern toxicology does not support any safe medicinal use of the safrole-containing parts.

Key compounds

Safrole (the dominant oil compound~80% of root bark oil)plus tannins and other volatile oils

May help with

Historical/traditional use only — see cautions
not advised for any current use

Best for these goals

Historical interestculinary history

How to use it

The ONLY widely-considered-safe use today is filé powder (ground dried leaves) used to thicken Louisiana gumbo — the leaves contain little to no safrole. Safrole-free sassafras extract is used for some root-beer flavoring. The root, root bark, and their oil/tea are NOT considered safe to consume.

Evidence level

Safety concern

Cautions & interactions

DO NOT consume sassafras root, root bark, sassafras oil, or traditional sassafras tea — the safrole they contain is a probable carcinogen linked to liver cancer and liver damage. Banned by the FDA as a food additive. | Sassafras oil is also a DEA-monitored precursor used in illicit MDMA manufacture. | AVOID entirely in pregnancy and nursing (miscarriage risk) and in anyone with liver conditions. | The only generally-accepted uses are safrole-free extract and filé powder made from the leaves (used to thicken gumbo). | This entry exists for historical and safety education — not as a recommendation to use.

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Educational information only — not medical advice, and not evaluated by the FDA. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using any ingredient therapeutically, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

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