Sassafras trees grow up to 60 feet in height.
Sassafras is a tree-based herb that was popular among native and early American settlers for cooking and drinking. Sassafras tea also was considered a health drink capable of curing disease. However, in 1960 the United States and Canada banned its use because its oil, safrole, was known to cause cancer and other serious health problems if consumed in more than trace amounts. Although it can still be purchased, the dangers of sassafras tea should not be taken lightly.
Gastrointestinal and Skin Reactions
Sassafras can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. The oil also will burn the skin. The amount needed to bring about these reactions varies according to the individual.
Lungs, Nervous System and Kidney's
Changes in breathing patterns, such as becoming too rapid or too shallow, can occur in high doses. Users also can experience dizziness, hallucinations and unconsciousness. Kidney damage can result and it will take months to recover. Be advised that biological changes from toxic levels of sassafras also can cause death.
Cancer
Researchers do not know how much sassafras needs to be consumed by humans in order to cause cancer but the Food and Drug Administration has discovered that sassafras causes cancer in rats. One cup of sassafras contains at least 200 mg of safrole and that is four times the amount considered hazardous.
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