Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sassafras has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Native American groups and early European settlers, for a variety of ailments, including indigestion (dyspepsia). Traditional preparations involved making teas or decoctions from the root bark or leaves, believed to soothe stomach discomfort and aid digestion. The rationale for its use was based on observational and empirical knowledge, rather than scientific investigation. However, there is scant scientific evidence to substantiate these traditional claims. Modern research on sassafras is limited, and concerns over the safety of its primary constituent, safrole (now classified as a potential carcinogen), have led to restrictions on its use in foods and medicines in several countries. Despite its traditional use for indigestion, there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials or pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy or mechanism of action for this purpose. As such, while the traditional record is clear, scientific validation is minimal, and safety concerns further limit its contemporary application.

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