What is Sassafras Tea? Health benefits and side effects

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the topic of benefits and harms of sassafras tea. There are studies that suggest that sassafras tea is very good. However, there are many conflicting opinions on this topic.

So what are the benefits and side effects of sassafras? The following article will help you answer this question, stay tuned!

What is sassafras tea?

What is sassafras tea?

Sassafras tea (sassafras tea) is a beverage with a distinctive flavor and aroma. Sassafras is a plant native to North America and East Asia. Currently, sassafras tea is very popular and favored because it is reminiscent of the taste of original beer.

In addition to tea production, sassafras is also used in traditional medicine, as a food thickener, and as a spice (powder filé) in Creole cuisine.

You can enjoy sassafras tea by boiling the bark of the root and other herbs like ginger, cinnamon or cloves in water for about 15-20 minutes.

However, some studies suggest that the sassafras plant may do more harm than good. The reason is because sassafras contains safrole compounds that are toxic to the body. Therefore, now sassafras tea manufacturers have begun to remove safrole in the processing stage, so you can rest assured to use it.

Benefits of sassafras . tea

Several studies have shown a number of compounds found in sassafras to have health benefits, specifically:

Reduce inflammation

Sassafras tea helps reduce inflammation

Some studies show that the use of sassafras tea helps reduce inflammation. According to this study, sassafras contains a compound called sassarandainol that blocks the action of enzymes that cause inflammation.

However, there haven’t been enough in-depth studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of sassafras. Therefore, this tea should not be abused for medicinal purposes.

Acts as a diuretic

sassafras tea acts as a diuretic

In addition to reducing inflammation, sassafras tea is also considered a natural diuretic, with the following effects:

• Stimulates the production of urine, helps the body excrete water and salt.
• Supports the treatment of problems such as high blood pressure, water retention, especially in people with chronic kidney disease.
• Helps eliminate waste products from the body and prevent bloating.

However, this tea should not be used as a substitute for medicine because there are not many in-depth studies on the true effects of this tea.

Anti-infection

Anti-infective sassafras tea

Several test-tube studies have demonstrated that the bark of the sassafras tree contains compounds that are thought to be able to fight leishmaniasis. This is a parasitic infection spread through the bite of a sand fly. This disease is common in tropical, subtropical and some other parts of Europe.

However, these studies used a large number of compounds isolated from sassafras. Therefore, additional studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the antiparasitic effects of sassafras tea.

Side effects of sassafras . tea

Besides the benefits that sassafras tea brings, many controversies have raged for decades. Most of it comes from skepticism about the effects of the tea and also the side effects caused by the compound safrole.

Side effects of sassafras . tea

Because of these controversies, many organizations have conducted studies and reached conclusions about this type of product, specifically:

• In 1960, the FDA banned the use of sassafras oil and safrole oil as ingredients and flavoring additives
• The National Toxicology Program on Carcinogens reports that safrole compounds found in sassafras can cause liver cancer and tumor growth (tested in mice).
• In addition, another compound synthesized from safrole called isosafrole, is used to produce illegal drugs such as MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly).
• Manufacturers remove safrole during processing to avoid government restrictions on trade

Side effects of sassafras . tea

Therefore, it is extremely important to choose quality sassafras tea that does not contain safrole ingredients. In particular, sassafras tea also has sedative properties. However, should not drink too much tea to avoid unwanted side effects, affecting health.

In the process of using the product, if the body shows signs of unusual sweating, vomiting or hot flashes, please stop using and immediately go to the nearest medical center for examination and support. In addition, pregnant women are also advised not to use this product.

Selection of quality sassafras tea

Hopefully with the above sharing has helped you have more knowledge about sassafras tea, the benefits and side effects of sassafras. Learn carefully to choose a reputable and quality sassafras tea.

Source: Vinmec

Choose to buy green tea of all kinds for sale at Tnhelearning.edu.vn:

Tnhelearning.edu.vn