Sassafras
Sassafras ( Sassafras albidum)
Brief Background:
The genus Sassafras contains two main species, Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees and Sassafras tzumu (Hemsl.) Hemsl. Sassafras albidum is endemic to eastern North America, and Sassafras tzumu (Hemsl.) Hemsl. is found in Asia and primarily in China.
Although sassafras was used originally in Native American medicine, sassafras should not be used internally, as safrole found in sassafras oil and tea is carcinogenic. Increased incidence of esophageal cancer has been noted in areas with habitual sassafras consumption. In addition, safrole is hepatotoxic.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Although sassafras was used originally in Native American medicine, most herbalists today agree that sassafras is unsafe for consumption.
