Sassafras Tea
beverage
Sassafras is a genus of three extant and one extinct species of deciduous trees in the family Lauraceae, native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. The genus is distinguished by its aromatic properties, which have made the tree useful to humans.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Prepare and drink 1–2 cups daily, warm or at room temperature.
- Avoid excessive amounts.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
AvoidSassafras contains safrole, a compound classified as carcinogenic and hepatotoxic — contraindicated in pregnancy (and generally, given the FDA banned safrole-containing sassafras oil from food use in 1960).
Breastfeeding
AvoidContraindicated during breastfeeding due to safrole's documented toxicity.
Children
AvoidContraindicated in children due to safrole's documented carcinogenic/hepatotoxic profile.
Interactions & contraindications
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.