Sassafras Root Bark | Sassafras albidum | Wild-Crafted

Sassafras Root Bark | Sassafras albidum | Wildcrafted

History
Sassafras, an aromatic tree native to the Eastern United States and a member of the Laurel family, was at one time the most important export plant of the newly founded colony of Virginia. The demand in London exceeded that of tobacco and it was commonly available at any street corner as a breakfast drink, sweetened with milk and sugar. Today it is difficult to find the herb at all, although a compound beverage of Sarsaparilla and Sassafras is still a popular blood cleansing tonic, particularly appreciated among the Caribbean community of South London. Its popularity may partly be attributed to the fact that Sassafras was hailed as a miracle cure for Syphilis. However, the beverage still remained popular even after it became apparent that it may not be as effective for this purpose as had been promised. In the United States it was, and still is, one of the most popular herb teas, especially in the southern States, where not only the root bark, but also the leaves, young sprouts and berries are used. The leaves are used as a spice to flavor 'Gumbo', the national soul food dish of the deep South. Sassafras originally also provided the distinctive flavor of Root Beer (now derived from synthetic sources). All Native American tribes who live within the range of this tree have made ample use of it as food, medicine and for sacred purposes. 

Traditional
Sassafras is considered one of the best blood cleansing tonics. It's claimed to act as a 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 thought to be anti spasmodic and has been used traditionally to treat cramps of the digestive and uterine systems. It was used to boost the immune system and ward off infectious diseases. Early colonists gather this medicinal knowledge from Native Americans and applied 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. 

Magical
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.

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