Sassafras - The Magick Moon

Sassafras is ground and sifted, and sold by the ounce.

Sassafras, also known as Saxifrax, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood, is a sturdy tree found in the bayous of Louisiana. When the tree is young, its leaves are shaped like 'mittens', sometimes with two 'thumbs'. As the tree matures, sometimes reaching a height of 100 feet and a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet, the leaves grow more rounded, free of indentation.

The sassafras tree grows in many parts of the United States. The wood, root and bark can all be used for tea making.

Cajun cuisine uses sassafras bark to make file (FEE-lay), the seasoning for gumbo. Sassafras tea, made from the root or the bark, has been drunk for over three centuries in the lower Mississippi valley.

Sassafras bark oil is used to flavor medicines and candy and in some perfumes.

The traditional use of sassafras tea in herbal medicine is to help the immune system recover from a bout with poison oak or sumac, especially when the leaf has been chewed and peri-anal inflammation has resulted. Sassafras tea is also used to induce sweating to break a fever, and in douches to relieve inflammation caused by urinary tract infection in women. The essential oil is applied to the scalp to treat lice.

Early settlers believed that beds made from Sassafras would repel evil spirits and give restful sleep. Burying money near the roots of a Sassafras tree is said to bring prosperity.

Magical Properties:
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Gender: Male
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Deities: N/A
Basic Powers: Compassion, Healing, Health, Love, Money, Prosperity

Magickal uses of Sassafras include health, money and overcoming addictions. Place in wallet or purse to attract money. Use as a prosperity incense. It is also added to sachets and spells designed to aid healing.

Sassafras is considered strongly protective and cleansing. It can be used as incense to ward off evil influences. As a tea it makes a good ritual tonic. It is frequently added to love charms and potions. Its warming, stimulating and aphrodisiac qualities make it very suitable for sex magic and tantric rituals.

Native Americans also used to smoke the root bark.

Medicinal Usage:
Sassafras is considered one of the best blood cleansing tonics. It acts diaphoretic and diuretic and gently stimulates and warms the entire system. It is used for many conditions that are believed to be caused by excessive cold - not just the common cold, coughs and bronchial complaints, but also rheumatism and urinary infections. It is anti spasmodic and was used to treat cramps of the digestive and uterine systems.

It was used to boost the immune system and ward off infectious diseases. Early colonists learnt its uses from the Native Americans - they applied the chewed leaves to fresh wounds and used the flowers as a fever tea. They also used it before and after a visit to the brothel - beforehand, to stimulate sexual appetite and afterwards to cure any possible ill effects. However, it seems that the 'before' use was more effective than the 'after' use.

Culinary Usage:
Sassafras is used to make teas, jellies, jams, seasoning for gumbos and stews, mead, and candy. It is fun to experiment with this wonderful root or bark in teas, wines and mead.

It is even more fun to use it in candy form, so give it a shot, make your syrup, and mix it with your favorite recipe.

Cosmetic Usage:
N/A

Usage Example:

Sassafras Tea:
Sassafras Roots (whole, ground, or chunked)
Water
Sugar (optional)
Lemon (optional)

Wash sassafras roots and cut into pieces that are about 1 - 2 inches in length. Place the roots in a deep boiler and cover with cold water.

Bring to a boil and continue boiling for about 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and serve hot. If the water is too strong, dilute it with hot water.

You can add some sugar and lemon for taste. You can even add ice to the glass and pour the sassafras tea. Enjoy hot or cold sassafras tea.

Sassafras Jelly:
6 roots (each 6-inches long and 1/2-inch thick) or young, thin stems
2 quarts of water
1 tbsp lemon juice
4½ cups sugar
3 oz. liquid pectin

Place sassafras root or stems into boiling water and make a good strong tea. Boil till water is a red-brown color. Remember, the deeper the color, the better for jelly.

Strain out 4 cups of the tea and place in a saucepan. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add sugar, mix thoroughly and bring to a boil. Add pectin and hold at a boil for 1 full minute. Remove from heat, skim off foam and pour into hot, sterile jelly jars and seal.

Use in moderation. Large amounts can produce vomiting, stupor, and collapse. High doses may cause spasms followed by paralysis. Avoid during pregnancy.

NOTE: Although there are medical usage notations provided for Sassafras listed above, we are not doctors, and do not provide this educational information as medical advice. We suggest you consult with a physician or certified herbalist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information provided above is strictly informational, and not meant or intended as medical advice. The Magick Moon, nor its employees shall be held responsible, or liable for the misuse of herbs listed in this section.

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