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BASIC INFORMATION

Biological name (genus and species):
Sassafrass albidum
 Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Bark
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Cadinene
Camphor
Eugenol
Phennandrene
Pinene
Safrol

KNOWN EFFECTS

  • Depresses central nervous system.
  • Irritates mucous membranes.

    Miscellaneous information:

  • Banned in United States as a flavoring agent because of proved carcinogenic potential.

    UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

  • Is used as spring "tonic" and "stimulant."
  • Is used as "blood thinner."
  • Treats common cold.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Don't take if you:

  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

    Consult your doctor if you:

  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

    Pregnancy:

  • Risk outweighs potential benefits. Don't take.

    Breast-feeding:

  • Risk outweighs potential benefits. Don't take.

    Infants and children:

  • Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

    Others:

  • None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

    Storage:

  • Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

    Safe dosage:

  • At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

    TOXICITY

    Has carcinogenic potential. Don't use.

    For symptoms of toxicity: See ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE
    EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS section below.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

    Signs and symptoms: What to do:
    Breathing difficulties Seek emergency treatment.
    Coma Seek emergency treatment.
    Dilated pupils Discontinue. Call doctor
    immediately.
    Fainting Discontinue. Call doctor
    immediately.
    Frequent nosebleeds Discontinue. Call doctor
    when convenient.
    Heart, liver, kidney damage Seek emergency treatment.
    characterized by swelling of
    extremities, shortness of
    breath, jaundice (yellow skin
    and eyes), blood in urine
    Nausea Discontinue. Call doctor
    immediately.
    Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor
    immediately.