Element: Fire
Planet: Jupiter
Energy: Masculine/Expressive
Properties: Money, abundance, luck, health, happiness, protection, banishment
Folk names: White Sassafras, Common Sassafras, Cinnamon Wood, Mitten Tree
Botanical Name: Sassafras albidum
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a North American tree steeped in Indigenous culture throughout its range within deciduous woodlands of the northeast and southeast United States. Indigenous names for the tree include kvfi, pauame, and winauk. Sassafras is not as abundant as other trees in area forests, yet it grows in small numbers in several of Cornell Botanic Gardens’ natural areas.
The origin of the name sassafras is difficult to pinpoint but date to a mispronunciation by 16th century European explorers of the botanical family Saxifrage.
Sassafras has a long history of use among Indigenous people of North America, who have used its leaves, root bark, and wood in a variety of ways. The root bark has long been enjoyed as a flavorful hot or cold tea and also used as a traditional remedy for treating a variety of illnesses, including common head colds and fevers, and as a digestive aid and general restorative tonic for overall health.
Disclaimer: Use herbs with caution. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before working with or ingesting any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
We make no actual claims nor guarantee any supernatural, magical, or medicinal qualities for any product. The names and alleged powers are gathered from books, folklore, and various occult sources. Not evaluated by the FDA.
