SASSAFRAS

Sassafras albidum: Lauraceae

PLANET: Jupiter

ELEMENT: Fire

TASTE: pungent	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: heating	DOSHAS: V-P+K-

MERIDIANS: Lungs, Kidney

ACTIONS: blood purifying alterative, diaphoretic used for early treatment of colds and flu, circulatory stimulant, diuretic which purifies urinary system, carminative, antiseptic, antiarthritic.

INDICATIONS: skin diseases including acne, eczema, and psoriasis; arthritis and rheumatism, gout, ulcers, colds, flu, post-partum pain

PRECAUTIONS: Safrole has been found to be carcinogenic in animals; extracted by alcohol but not water, so Sassafras safe for tea. Known to cause abortion. Do not use the oil internally or externally. Oil can produce a poisoning characterised by widespread fatty degeneration of heart, liver, and kidneys. In larger dose, can produce narcotic effect of circulatory and respiratory depression and collapse.

CONSTITUENTS: 6-9% essential oil with 80-90%SAFROLE, eugenol, asarone, phellandrene, pinene, myristicin, thugone, caryophyllene, anethole; alkaloids incl. Boldine, norboldine, norcinnamolaurine, and retuline; resin, tannin, gum, lignin, and salts.

PREPARATION AND USE:
-steep one tsp to one tbsp dried bark in one cup water, covered, for 20 min. Take up to three times daily
-often combined with sarasparilla in chronic skin conditions (before the safrole scare)
-can be used as a mouthwash or tooth cleanser
-oil has been used for external treatment of lice; some authors say never use it.

NUTRITIONAL USE: Is root beer nutrition? Certainly nurturing! ; )

USE IN MAGIC: Health, Money
-burn or place in wallet to attract money
-added to healing sachets

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-Opens fifth chakra (throat), and allows clear communication of ideas
-enhances connection with angelic guides, use with meditation or automatic writing
-psychic protection against harassment or attack
-wards off conflicting forces.

"By being fully where and when I am, I act with the efficiency born of full awareness and care."