Tag: Sassafras tea

In 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned sassafras oil for human consumption after animal studies linked its primary compound, safrole, to liver cancer. This critical finding provides a clear answer to the popular question: is sassafras tea good for your body, and reveals the serious health risks associated with traditional preparation methods.

In the 1960s, a major health concern emerged linking safrole, a compound found in sassafras, to liver cancer in animal studies, leading the FDA to ban its use in food. This regulatory action completely changed the public's relationship with the once-popular herbal remedy and root beer ingredient, prompting a critical question: Can you drink sassafras?