Consumption of sassafras tea has long been related to health advantages. However, recent studies warn of certain risks. Discover them here!
For an extended time, drinking sassafras tea was popular amongst those in search of relief from certain ailments and infections. The plant itself shouldn’t be only used to arrange this drink, but in addition to thicken foods and produce a powder that is usually used as a condiment.
However, its use has grow to be controversial, as one in every of its principal lively compounds – safrole – has been determined to have potentially toxic effects. What do it’s essential to learn about this? Below we review its possible advantages, unintended effects and consumption recommendations. So proceed reading!
What is sassafras tea?
Sassafras tea is a beverage comprised of the leaves and roots of the sassafras tree, whose scientific name is . This species is native to parts of North America and East Asia. It is characterised by its smooth bark and its remarkable greenish-yellow flowers.
The drink itself has a flavor and aroma harking back to . In fact, the plant was used previously as a flavoring for said soda. However, on this case the drink is ready like other kinds of teas.
Simply boil the leaves and roots in water for 15 to twenty minutes. The aromas are thus infused into the liquid.
The tea can be available in bags and concentrates in herbalists. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s consumption recommendations.
Possible Uses and Benefits of Sassafras Tea
In traditional medicine, sassafras tea is related to analgesic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti inflammatory properties. So far, only test-tube and animal studies have evaluated its potential to contribute to well-being.
However, researchers have determined that further study is required to think about it as a treatment option in humans. Ses Side effects can outweigh its advantages.
Anti-inflammatory potential
One of the lively compounds in sassafras tea, sassandainol, has been linked to lower levels of inflammation. In research published by Natural Product Research, it was found that this substance – in addition to 10 other plant compounds – had anti-inflammatory properties.
Consumption of this drink due to this fact has a positive impact on immune function and the prevention of chronic diseases. Inflammation is associated to many pathologies, similar to cancer, cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
Antiparasitic properties
In study shared by , sassafras extract has shown promising effects as an antiparasitic. It notably made it possible to fight against the leishmaniasis parasitea tropical infectious disease brought on by the protozoan.
Regarding these effects, evidence is lacking. Despite this, the outcomes determined that it may possibly kill the parasite without affecting neighboring cells.
Antidiabetic effects
Sassafras tea shouldn’t be a first-line treatment for diabetes.
Caution must be exercised, because the available results were obtained with animal studies. In research on rats reported by the plant has shown antidiabetic potential.
Especially, one in every of its lively substances, safrole, is related to lowering blood sugar and relieving insulin resistance. However, the result’s controversial, as this substance can be linked to negative health effects.
Diuretic effects
Anecdotal evidence suggests that sassafras tea acts as a natural diuretic. This implies that it stimulates the elimination of fluids retained within the tissues, thus improving certain troubles, similar to edema and hypertension. However, more evidence is required.
Other possible advantages of Sassafras tea
In traditional medicine, Native Americans used sassafras tea for a lot of other medicinal purposes. These applications have even spread to Asia and Europe, where their use has also been popularized.
THE advantages alleged are as follows:
- Better digestion
- Reduced fever
- Urinary health care
- Control of skin disorders
- Relief from puffy eyes
- Treatment of sprains and bumps
- Insect bite prevention
- Reduction in arthritis and joint disorders
Risks and unintended effects of Sassafras tea
In recent many years, the consumption of sassafras tea has been controversial, particularly as a result of evidence of its negative effects. To be more specific, safrole, one in every of its principal lively compounds, has been related to toxic reactions and drug interactions.
Indeed, the organization (FDA) of the United States has class this substance as “banned” for direct addition or use in human food. The reason ? Some studies link its contribution to liver cancer and abnormal cell growth.
Safrole has also been linked to negative cardiovascular effects. In particular, it may possibly induce breakdown of plaque deposits within the arteriesthereby contributing to acute cardiac events.
In addition to the above, its use is not really helpful while pregnant, as a result of the potential risk of abortion. It must also not be used during breastfeeding or in young children.
Drugs with which it might interact include:
- Lorazepam
- Clonazépam
- Diazepam
This plant could cause Side effects, especially when taken in large doses. The most typical reactions are:
- Diaphorèse
- Hot flashes
- Stupor
- Exhaustion
- Tachycardia
- Spasms
- Hallucinations
- Paralysis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dermatitis (from topical use)
- Drop in body temperature
What must you remember about sassafras tea?
Although sassafras tea is linked to health advantages in traditional medicine, the reality is that there shouldn’t be enough evidence to say that it’s protected. On the contrary, studies suggest that its negative effects could have a big impact on health.
Therefore, the FDA has banned its consumption as a food additive and as a complement. However, it is feasible to search out varieties of tea without safrole available on the market. It is essential to envision labels, moderate your intake and, within the event of illness, seek the advice of a physician as a priority.
