Sassafras trees are common throughout much of eastern part of the country, and teas made from their roots have long-been a tasty treat for campers and hikers alike. However, sassafras has a lot more to offer besides their famous root beer taste. Trees have been used for centuries as a one-stop source for treating and soothing a wide-range of ailments, and chances are that you can benefit from them as well. Let’s take a closer look at what sassafras has to offer.
Anti-Inflammatory
Sassafras contains compounds that are known to reduce inflammation, and it can do it on a systemic level. We often think of inflammation following an injury, flare-ups in joints, sinus problems or sore throats. However, inflammation can also impact our digestive and circulatory systems as well. High blood pressure, headaches, upset stomach or other digestive aliments are just a few maladies that can be linked to inflammation. While we’re not saying that taking some sassafras medicinally is a cure-all, it has been used for ages to soothe common and transient problems.
Immune Support
Not only does sassafras contain compounds that make it a great antiseptic, but it can also boost the immune system and help the body to fight various infections. Consequently, it can be used for prevention as well as treatment.
Wound Care
The antiseptic properties in sassafras make it an excellent option for cleaning and protecting wounds. Since it’s also an anti-inflammatory, it can also be used to soothe insect bites, burns and even some kinds of allergic reactions. It can be made into a medicinal rinse that can help to keep skin clean and pathogen-free, or you can turn leaves into a poultice that can be bandaged to the affected area.
Oral Care
People have been using sassafras twigs for oral care for centuries. The good taste and suitable texture of the fibers is perfect for brushing teeth, and the antiseptic properties helps to kill germs. Some people have also experienced relief from minor oral infections after chewing on sassafras leaves until symptoms have subsided. The compounds can also speed up the time it takes for minor wounds in the mouth to heal as well.
Energy Boost
Sassafras doesn’t contain caffeine, but it does have compounds that act like a stimulant. Chewing on the leaves for a few minutes has been a time-honored trick for perking up and increasing stamina. Drinking teas is also thought to reduce fatigue and exhaustion that is caused by processes in the body that have gotten out of whack as well. Best of all, you don’t get the energy crash caused by caffeine or sugar.
Diuretic
Sassafras helps the body to expel toxins and excess minerals, and this can have a positive effect on our overall health and well-being. It can help to cleanse the liver, kidneys, lungs and intestines, and it can also be used to get rid of the remnants of bacterial and viral infections that would otherwise linger in our endocrine system. However, being a diuretic also means that the body will release excessive amounts of water, so it’s important that you remain hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink two glasses of water for every glass of tea.
These are just a few examples of dozens of benefits associated with sassafras, and it’s easy to see why this tree is such a valuable resource. Learn more about how to identify and process sassafras so you can start enjoying its benefits now as well as during a crisis.
