Page 256 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Medicinal Use: The leaves, root bark, and mucilag- hour. Shampoo the hair thoroughly to remove the oil,
inous pith from the tree are used medicinally. then use a nit comb to remove the dead lice and nits.

Skin Inflammations and Irritations: Make a Arthritis and Anti-inflammatory: Sassafras
thick mucilage from the pith of the sassafras tree for root bark works well to reduce joint pain and inflam-
the treatment of skin irritations and inflammations mation throughout the body.
and apply it directly to the wound. Alternately, a poul- Harvesting: If you can find a downed Sassafras tree
tice made from bruised fresh leaves can be applied to after a storm, harvest the roots then. Roots peel more
large areas or the leaves can be rubbed onto itchy bug easily in the winter and early spring. Or harvest one in
bites and small irritations.
the shade where it won’t likely thrive. Harvest the bark
Heals Wounds: For wound healing, apply a poul- in spring and leaves when they are green.
tice made from the fresh, crushed leaves and cover it Warning: Safrole can cause liver damage, is a car-
with a clean cloth to keep it in place. The sassafras cinogen, can cause stomach upset, vomiting, increased
leaves stimulate the flow of blood to the area and blood pressure, hallucinations, and death. It should
speeds healing. The poultice also relieves the pain.
not be used by pregnant or nursing women. There are
Headaches and Menstrual Pain: The pain-re- safrole-free sassafras products that are safer to use.
lieving properties of Sassafras Leaf and Root Bark Tea Some people are allergic.
are helpful for headaches and many menstrual symp- Recipes. Extracting Sassafras Oil for Exter-
toms including cramping, bloating, and heavy bleed- nal Use. A large piece of sassafrass root, water. Dig
ing.
up a large piece of sassafras root, at least two inches (5
Kidney Problems, Swelling, and Fluid Re- cm) thick and as long as possible. Clean the root, then
tention: Sassafras Leaf and Root Bark Tea is an ex- peel off the bark. Keep the root bark. Allow the bark
cellent diuretic, and helps flush toxins from the body. shavings to dry. Place the dried bark in a pot of sim-
mering water and allow it to simmer for 4 to 6 hours.
Dental Care: A sassafras twig makes a great tooth- The oil will be released from the bark. Allow the water
brush. The twig not only leaves behind a pleasant fla- and oil to cool undisturbed in the refrigerator over-
vor and clean teeth, but it also has anti-microbial and night. Skim off the oily layer on the top of the water.
anti-inflammatory benefits. This oil is very potent, dilute it before use and do not

Lice Treatment: Sassafras Oil (see below for rec- take internally.
ipe), diluted with a carrier oil, is used to get rid of head Sassafras Root Tea: Sassafras root tea is prepared
differently than most teas. Sassafras roots, small pinch
of salt, optional and water. Pot with a lid. Clean the
roots with a brush under running water to remove all
dirt. Place the sassafras roots in the pot and cover with
cold water, filling the pot about 3/4 full. Add a small
pinch of salt. Use more roots for a stronger tea or more
water for a weaker tea. Make a weak tea if you have not
had it previously. Put the water and roots on high heat
until it comes to a boil, then turn down the heat. Keep
the roots at a high simmer until the water turns a deep
red color. This may take a few hours. Turn off the heat
and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the tea to steep for
5 to 10 minutes while it slowly cools a little. Strain the
Sassafras male and female flowers, by Ittiz, CC by SA 3.0 tea and drink hot, as it takes on a more bitter flavor
lice. To use this treatment, add 1/4 teaspoon of sassa- when cool. The tea can be refrigerated and reheated for
fras oil to ½ cup of warm coconut oil. Mix and apply to later use. Sweeten the tea with raw honey, if desired.
the scalp. Cover the head and wait 30 minutes to 1 Use with care (see warning section).

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