Overview

Sassafras is a type of tree. Although the root bark of this tree has historically been used to make oils and teas, the FDA does not allow sassafras to be used in any foods or drinks, including teas. This is due to concerns that a chemical in sassafras, called safrole, may increase the risk for cancer over time. Overall, the benefits and risks of sassafras are not well defined. If you are thinking of using sassafras products, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is sassafras used for?

Sassafras oils and teas may be used for various health purposes. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA prohibits the use of sassafras in foods and drinks, including teas. The FDA also does not consider sassafras to be a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. Learn more about the legal status of sassafras here.

One of the chemicals in sassafras, called safrole, is a Schedule I controlled substance. This means that it does not have an acceptable medical use and has a high risk for misuse.

How does sassafras work (mechanism of action)?

Sassafras is a type of tree. In the U.S., the most common species of sassafras is Sassafras albidum. The root bark of the sassafras tree has historically been used by indigenous people to make tea or oil for various health purposes. It was also used for many years to flavor foods and drinks, including root beer.

However, sassafras root bark contains high levels of safrole. There is concern that eating or drinking safrole regularly may increase the risk for cancer in humans. In 1960, the FDA banned the use of sassafras root bark in any foods or drinks, including teas. Although safrole-free sassafras products may still be legally sold in the U.S., there is little to no research on the benefits or risks of these products.

Herbal products, such as sassafras, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific sassafras product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store sassafras?

You should store sassafras according to the product label. Most natural products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sassafras?

Sassafras contains safrole, a chemical that is not permitted for use in foods, drinks, or dietary supplements due to a concern that it may increase the risk for cancer. Since the use of sassafras is restricted, there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of sassafras that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sassafras?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sassafras are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sassafras may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sassafras and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Cancer.Sassafras contains high levels of a chemical called safrole. There is a concern that safrole may increase the risk for cancer. This risk may be higher for people who regularly eat or drink foods that contain safrole. The FDA does not allow sassafras to be used in any foods or drinks. But sassafras root bark, which contains large amounts of safrole, can still be purchased online. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Precautions

Who should not use sassafras?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sassafras.

• Cinnamonwood
• Safrole
• Sassafras
• Sassafras albidum
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in a sassafras product.

What should I know about sassafras before using it?

The U.S. federal government does not consider sassafras to be a legal ingredient in any foods, drinks, or dietary supplements. However, sassafras products, including root bark, essential oils, and flavor extracts, may still be available for purchase online. Sassafras products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on labels.

One of the chemicals in sassafras, called safrole, is sometimes used to make a street drug called ecstasy, also known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Due to this high risk for misuse, safrole is considered a Schedule I controlled substance. Sassafras oils and sassafras root bark products naturally contain large amounts of safrole. Learn more about this concern here.

Keep sassafras out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as sassafras, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific sassafras product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the root was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sassafras?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sassafras is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Cancer.There is some concern that eating or drinking products that contain sassafras can increase the risk for cancer. Before using sassafras, let your health care provider know if you or anyone in your immediate family has a history of cancer.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sassafras could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sassafras passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sassafras interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sassafras and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sassafras.

Does sassafras interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between sassafras and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with sassafras is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking sassafras with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sassafras?

If you or someone else has used too much sassafras, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Sassafras is not considered a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. due to concerns that it may increase the risk for cancer. However, sassafras products can still be purchased online. If you purchase a sassafras product, read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use sassafras safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.