Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) has a long history of use in North American folk medicine, including by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. Traditionally, it has been used as a spring tonic, blood purifier, and diuretic, which indirectly connects to kidney health because diuretics increase urine flow and may help the body eliminate waste. Herbal texts from the 18th and 19th centuries mention sassafras as a remedy for “urinary issues” and as a means to “cleanse the kidneys,” but these claims are based on anecdotal evidence and traditional knowledge rather than clinical research.

Modern scientific validation for sassafras specifically supporting the kidneys is lacking. The plant contains safrole, a compound now recognized as potentially carcinogenic and hepatotoxic, leading to restrictions on its use in foods and supplements. There are no robust, peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that sassafras offers tangible benefits for kidney function or treats kidney-related diseases. In summary, while sassafras has been traditionally used with the intent to support the kidneys, this use is not corroborated by modern scientific evidence and may carry health risks.