Sassafras is a tree from a Lauraceae family and is found in Asia and North America. Because of its leaf patterns and its color, it is used as an ornamental tree. Sassafras tea was traditionally used to protect against the evil eye and jealousy in earlier times in North America. It has enormous health benefits like; it is used to cure skin disease, is used to treat rheumatism, and many other conditions.

Sassafras has tannins, alpha pinene, asarone, mucilage and safrole that is very beneficial for health. But always consume this tea in a small amount.

Here are the Health Benefits of Sassafras Tea:

1. Sassafras tea for a healthy liver:

It stimulates the liver and maintains the hormonal functions. It cleanses the liver and keeps it healthy and maintains it and also helps to ease out the hangover problems. The tea eliminates the toxins from your body and removes the congestion from the gallbladder.

2. Sassafras tea for a healthy digestive system:

The tea makes your immune system strong and fights against all digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea or gastrointestinal issues. It eases the stomach and keeps it hydrated and protects from a harmful substance.

3. Sassafras tea as a blood thinner:

Sassafras tea aids as an anticoagulant and is helpful in purifying the blood. It lowers the blood pressure and strengthens your heart muscles.

Check this video to know health benefits of sassafras tea

4. Sassafras tea to ease the menstrual pain:

Many women suffer from menstruation effects like bloating, heavy flow or heavy bleeding. Sassafras contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which remove the discomfort caused by menstruation and gives relief in pain.

5. Sassafras tea to heal wounds:

It gives relief in pain and makes the healing process faster, and its stimulant functions induce the oxygenated blood to the area of the wound, this increases the metabolic rate and helps in treating the injuries in a natural way.

6. Sassafras tea to detoxify the body:

The tea is considered to be a diuretic that enhances your urination and reduce the fats and toxins from your body. It is good for kidney health and flushing out the impurities from the system. It soothes the urinary tract discomfort and cures all kind of kidney ailments.

7. Sassafras tea as energy booster:

Sassafras can instantly enhance your energy and elevate your mood. So, when you feel dull, lethargic or sluggish then this tea is just the thing you need. It instantly peps you up and elevates your tiredness.

8. Sassafras tea for dental health:

Earlier sassafras twigs were used as a toothbrush, and it has lots of medicinal properties. Even drinking sassafras can keep your teeth health in right conditions. It has antiseptic properties which can aid as a disinfectant.

9. Sassafras tea for cancer prevention:

Sassafras tea contains antioxidant properties; it has the ability to fight against the free radicals and boost your immune system. It reduces the mutation of cells and prevents the cancerous growth. Studies and research have found that safrole present in sassafras can enhance and stimulate the conversion of harmful to non-cancerous cells and induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

10. Sassafras tea for the healthy respiratory system:

Sassafras is useful in treating bronchitis and gives relief in the symptoms of flu, cough and cold. It clears the nasal passage and makes the breathing easier. It is helpful in treating fever as well.

11. Sassafras tea to treat inflammation:

It is very efficient and accessible to cure gout and rheumatism and is widely used. It is useful in treating various diseases which are caused by inflammation. It also cures arthritis, headaches and gastrointestinal issues.

12. Sassafras tea for skin health:

Sassafras contains an antiseptic, astringent, antimicrobial and antibacterial property which is helpful in treating skin problems like skin irritation, bits and eczemas and also rashes sores and skin marks. The compound called tannic acid in sassafras gives a protective layer to the skin and heals the skin faster.

13. Sassafras tea for high immunity:

Sassafras has antimicrobial, antiseptic and analgesic properties that protect your body from pathogen and boost your immune system. Regular use of tea in a small amount will keep your immune system away from infections and harmful foreign particles.

14. Breaks Fevers

One of the many advantages of Sassafras tea is that it is helpful in breaking the stubborn fever. The anti-inflammatory properties break the fever and initiate the healing process. This method has been used since ancient times to break fevers.

15. Improves blood circulation

We already know that Sassafras tea acts as a blood thinner, but we do not know the other aspects related to the thinning of the blood. Anti-coagulant nature of Sassafras tea prevents the clotting of blood thereby reducing the probability of strokes and heart attacks. However, this property of Sassafras tea can prove to be quite dangerous if you are about to undergo surgery as it will not allow the blood to clot. So it is not suggested to drink it when you are about to be operated.

16. Relieves Adrenal Stress

If you are going through a menopausal phase of your life then consumption of Sassafras tea is very beneficial. Adrenal stress intensifies the symptoms of menopause, making you feel them in increased intensity and worsening your condition. However, it can be avoided if you drink Sassafras tea.

How to make Sassafras tea?

Now that you know the amazing benefits the tea has to offer, you would want to how to concoct this healthy concoction. Well, you do not need to look here and there for that, we have brought the easiest recipe of making Sassafras tea.

However, before that you would need the following ingredients:

• Sassafras roots
• Water
• Strainer
• Honey or any other sweetener

Follow the steps given below and enjoy!

Step 1: Either gather or purchase the roots of Sassafras tree and wash them thoroughly, preferably in hot water, to remove all the dirt and grime from it. If you have gathered the roots yourself then make sure to cut any extra plant material from it and remove the tips of the roots as well.

Step 2:  Now, to the pot of boiling water, add these roots. After a few minutes of boiling, the color of the water would change from colorless to brown or deep red.

Step 3: After ten minutes, remove the pot from the stove and strain excess water in a cup.

Step 4: Now to that cup add some sweetener, preferably honey, as it is healthy than other sweeteners.

Consume the tea as you like, hot or cold. One of the components of Sassafras tea is safrole, it is due to this component that the tea derives its flavor. However, if consumed in high quantities then this chemical works perfectly as a poison. If Safrole is consumed in quantities, more than 1 gram then it might produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, skin inflammation, chest pain, and even mental confusion. Increase the dose to much higher quantities and you are as good as dead.

It was found in the studies conducted by many organizations that a cup of Sassafras with 2.5 grams of sassafras contains 200 mg of safrole. Due to such high quantities of safrole, the US Food and Drug Association banned this tea in 1976.Nevertheless, since then many teas are available in markets, which claim that they are free of safrole. Still, its consumption should be limited to 1-2 cups per day and that too, when you feel any discomfort, by discussing your doctor. In addition, the women who are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby cannot drink this tea.

Method to make sassafras tea:

Take a cooking pan, put one cup of water in it. Boil the water, and then add sassafras root and simmer till it turns to brownish red in color. If you like the strong taste, then simmers for some more time. Strain with a very fine strainer so that the tea comes out clear without any sediments or particles of the root. Add sugar or honey as per your taste.

Word of caution:

Sassafras tea contains safrole which is highly potent. So consumed in small quantities in or else it will create problems like; vomiting or nausea. Always consult your doctor first before incorporating new health remedy in your diet.

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