2. Oil of Sassafras is made up of Safrole(85%), Camphor(3.25%), and Methyleugenol(1.10%)
and 10 sesquiterpenes.
● Safrole has a chemical make up but Sassafras does not. The chemical
make up for Safrole is C10H10O2.
● MSDS had this to say about Sassafras:
● Acute toxicity
● Germ cell mutagenicity
● Harmful if swallowed
● May cause cancer
● Possible risk of irreversible effects
3. Oil of Sassafras is used as a deoderant
in the embalming process.
●
Synonyms= Sassafras varifolium. Laurus
Sassafras. Sassafrax. Sassafras radix.
4. Medicinal Uses
● It is used to treat chronic rheumatism, syphilis, and skin diseases.
● It can prevent and remove the injurious effects of tobacco.
● “Sassafras was known primarily as a medicinal herb to the American
Indians. The leaves could be made into teas and poultices, while the root
bark was crushed and then steeped in boiling water—one ounce of bark to
one pint of water— as often as needed to reduce fevers; soothe chronic
rheumatism, gout, and dropsy; relieve eye inflammation; ease menstrual
and parturition pain; help cure scurvy and various skin conditions; and act
as a disinfectant in dental surgery. Because it was thought to be a blood
purifier and effective against excess mucus discharge, the plant was even
regarded as a cure for syphilis and gonorrhea.”
(www.motherearthnews.com)
5. Sassafras oil overdose occurs when
someone accidentally or intentionally takes
more than the normal or recommended
amount of this substance
