If you're anything like me, you do what you can (and have time) to stay healthy. I'm not perfect by no means, but I try. Here's one drink that husband taught me to like and drink when we can.
A bit of information about Sassafras:
Sassafras has many important health benefits, including its ability to cleanse the body, eliminate colds, boost kidney health, relieve pain, prevent certain cancers, boost the immune system, soothe inflammation, reduce menstruation pain, increase energy, and protect dental health.
Sassafras
Aside from being a fun word to say, sassafras has been a key component in culinary, medicinal, and societal development for thousands of years. In the past, Native American cultures and others around the world where the trees had been exported, used nearly every part of these trees, including the bark, stems, leaves, branches, roots, fruit, and flowers, for a range of medicinal, culinary, and cultural needs. This tree is packed with impressive nutrients, which is partly why it remained such an important resource.
Health Benefits Of Sassafras
Skin Health: Traditionally, sassafras has been used for many different topical issues, and skin health is no exception. If you suffer from boils, sores, rashes, or excessive marks on the skin, applying a poultice of sassafras leaves to the affected areas can quickly reduce the inflammation or discoloration of the skin. The presence of tannic acid and a unique compound called Sassafrid is believed to provide these benefits and protective measures to the skin.
Alleviate Inflammation: One of the most popular uses of sassafras is for rheumatism and gout and this has been a trusted remedy for thousands of years in various parts of the world. Inflammation affects the body in many ways, which means that this impressive plant can also help improve gastrointestinal processes and the symptoms of arthritis, as well as headaches in some cases. Using this plant as a fever reducer is one of the oldest applications of this versatile plant!
Strengthen Immunity: Modern research has determined that sassafras not only has analgesic properties, but also antiseptic ones, and these natural anti-microbial properties are ideal for boosting the immune system. By protecting the body against foreign agents and pathogens, both internally and externally, this remedy can be a sweet-smelling shield for your overall health. It can also help keep the stomach and respiratory system free from infections, which is why this plant was traditionally recommended to fend off colds at their onset.
Boost Dental Health: For centuries, sassafras twigs were the early forms of toothbrushes, because of the pleasant flavor (reminiscent of root beer) and the natural antiseptic properties. Using it in this way as a dental disinfectant is still a viable means of getting this benefit, and if you really want to try the traditional approach, grab a twig and give your teeth a scrub. Your gums might just thank you!
Prevent Cancer: Although research into this anti-cancer claim is still ongoing, sassafras does demonstrate measurable antioxidant potential in the human body. Whether it is eliminating free radicals or boosting the immune system, this plant appears to function like many other superfoods, lowering your risk of cell mutation and subsequent cancer diagnoses.
Relieve Pain: The analgesic properties of sassafras are well known, and the leaves of this tree were often wrapped around wounds for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic nature. Sassafras tea is still used for pain-relieving purposes, and topical applications for aches and pains are popular in some natural healing communities.
Sooth Menstrual Pain: For women suffering through the painful symptoms of menstruation, such as bloating, cramping, and heavy bleeding, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of sassafras are a boon. For thousands of years, this natural remedy has lessened the discomfort of menstruation for women, and remains a popular recommendation from herbalists for women who suffer unusually painful periods.
Detoxify the Body: The leaves of sassafras are a well known diuretic, which increases your urination, thus eliminating excess toxins, salts, and fats from the body. If you want to improve the health and functioning of your kidneys, the best way is to flush your system with a diuretic, and sassafras tea is a great way to do that.
RECIPE for Sassafras Tea:
This is a simple and easy recipe that hubby uses often.
- Gather sassafras roots (yellow, white or red. we use the red); let dry
- Cut into chunks if desired, and drop from four to six chunks (depending on size. We use around an inch and half to three inch strips) into a two-four quart pot of water and let boil for several minutes until you have a beautiful cinnamon brown drink.
- Remove chunks of root (strain, is what we do)
- Pour into a pitcher and let cool (or drink warm for winter or for a cool summer morning)
- Add your preference of sweetener to taste; stir till dissolved
- Pour over ice cubes for a cold drink or into a mug for a warm drink
Enjoy!
ABOUT CAROLE:
Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
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