Sassafras contains safrole, which causes liver cancer in animal models and is classified as a carcinogenic substance. Risk increases with length of exposure and amount consumed.Click to see full answer. Also to know is, is it safe to drink sassafras tea?Sassafras seems safe in foods and beverages if it is “safrole-free.” The safrole in sassafras root bark and oil can cause cancer and liver damage. Consuming just 5 mL of sassafras oil can kill an adult. Even “safrole-free” sassafras used in medicinal amounts has been linked with tumors.Furthermore, what are the benefits of sassafras tea? The purported benefits of sassafras include: Improved urinary tract health. Reduced symptoms of arthritis. Clearer skin and eyes. Treatment of sprains. Reduced itching or swelling from bug bites or stings. A boost in immune health. Improved circulation. Reduced symptoms of gout. Thereof, why is sassafras banned? In 1960, the FDA banned the ingredient saffrole — found in sassafras oil — for use as an additive because in several experiments massive doses of sassafras oil were found to induce liver cancer in rats. It should come as no surprise that chemicals and artificial flavors are used to flavor root beer today.Is sarsaparilla a carcinogenic?Well, sassafras and sarsaparilla both contain safrole, a compound recently banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effects. Safrole was found to contribute to liver cancer in rats when given in high doses, and thus it and sassafras or sarsaparilla-containing products were banned.
