Herb: Black Sassafras


Latin name: Atherosperma moschatum


Family: Atherospermataceae



Medicinal use of Black Sassafras:

Antiasthmatic, antirheumatic, aperient, cardiac, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, tonic. A powerful poison, it is useful in treating rheumatism, syphilis and bronchitis.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
30 m
(98 feet)

Scent:
Scented
Tree

Habitat of the herb:

Temperate rainforests and moist gullies up to the sub-alpine zone.

Edible parts of Black Sassafras:

A pleasant tasting tea is made from the fresh or dried aromatic bark. Some caution is advised in its use, see the notes on toxicity at top of the page.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is obtained from the plant, it is used medicinally. Wood - tough, close grained, fairly soft, low in tannin. Used for cabinet making, turnery etc.

Propagation of Black Sassafras:

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

Temperate rainforests and moist gullies up to the sub-alpine zone.

Known hazards of Atherosperma moschatum:

The bark contains a potential carcinogen. Another report says that the whole plant might be poisonous.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.