What is Sassafras Albidum?
Sassafras Albidum is an Ayurvedic plant. The plant root bark is used for the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines. Commonly the herb is known as red or silky Sassafras. The herb is used for the treatment of urinary tract disorder, bronchitis, swelling in nose and throat, high blood pressure, blood purification, arthritis, gout, skin problems, and menstrual disorders. Most of the people apply the paste of this herb directly on their face to treat skin related issues.
The Sassafras herb is native to North America. The herb grows throughout the eastern deciduous forest at an altitude of sea level up to 1,500m. The habit of Sassafras is open woodlands and sandy woodlands. The herb is 30-60 meter tall with numbers of branches. The bark of the immature tree is green in color, while on maturity color changes into brown with thick and woody roots. The leaves are 7-20cm long, 5-10 cm broad, alternative, variable in shape and with one to three lobe at the apex. The color of the leaves are light green during the summer season and it turns into bright yellow, orange, and red-orange during fall. The flowers appear in early spring shortly before the leaves appears. The flower has a yellow-greenish color with 5-6 sepals. It is a dioceious plant with separate male and female. The fruit is dark blue-black drupe with 1cm length and contains a single seed. The roots are thick and fleshy and used in many herbal products.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Superdivision: Spermatophyta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass: Magnoliidae
- Order: Lauraceae
- Family: Lauraceae
- Genus: sassafras nees & eberm
- Species: sassafras albidum
Medicinal Properties of Sassafras
- Antiseptic
- Carminative
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aromatic
- Diaphoretic
- Diuretic
- Stimulant
- Painkiller
Health Benefits of Sassafras
Boost Immunity
Along with analgesic property, the herb also contains antiseptic property. Theses natural anti-microbial properties are helpful for boosting the immune system. By protecting the body against harmful foreign pathogens and bacteria both externally and internally, this herb improves the overall health. This will ultimately help to improve your body from various infections such as stomach and respiratory infection.
Skincare
The person who is suffering from skin related problems such as rashes, boils, sores and excessive marks on the skin, the leaves of the Sassafras cab reduce the rashes and other skin issues. Due to anti-inflammatory property, the herb reduces the inflammation and discoloration of the skin. Sassafras is the rich source of tannic acid, a specific form of tannin which is a polyphenol. Sassafrid a specific compound in Sassafras is also effective for skin related problems.
Dental Care
Sassafras act as a great antiseptic agent which protect your teeth from any infection and provide support to gums. Sassafras twig was the early form of toothbrushes. It contains unpleasant flavor. You should grab a twig and scrub your teeth, this will helps to keep your teeth strong and free from infection.
Pain Reliever
Sassafras herb has an analgesic property which provides relief from pain in wounds. During menstruation, the herb provides relief from bloating, cramping and heavy bleeding. It acts as an herbal remedy for women who suffers from painful periods.
Prevent Cancer
Sassafras is acting as a potent antioxidant which weather reduce the oxidative damage by eliminating the free radicals or boosting the immune system. The plant lowering the risk of cell mutation which further reduces the chance of developing cancerous cells in the body.
Reduce Inflammation
The herb has a great anti-inflammatory property which helps to reduce the inflammation in arthritis patient. By doing so, herb reduces the pain and swelling in the joints and muscles. Along with this property, the herb helps to improve gastrointestinal, and headache symptoms.
Blood Purification
The leaves of the Sassafras contains a great diuretic property which increases urination. Due to increased urination, the herb helps to remove excess toxins and salts from the body. This process will help in blood purification. The diuretic property of herb also helps to keep your kidneys functioning and healthy.
Boost Energy Level
The herbal tea of dried leaves of Sassafras act as a great stimulant, which boosts your body and overcomes the excessive fatigue and weakness.
Scurvy Treatment
Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, which leads to yellow skin, fever, skin spot and bleeding. Sassafras tea is the best thing which reduces the appearance of such symptoms.
Improve Circulation
The herb is also a source of Camphor, a chemical compound with antiseptic, antipruritic and analgesic property, which improves the blood circulation in the body. It introduces both warm and cold sensation in the body.
