Intermittents, Marasmus, Masturbation( effects of), Melancholia, Mercury( abuse of), Mycosis, Nipples( retracted), Renal colic, Rhagades, Rheumatism( gonorrhoeal), Seborrhoea, Spermatic cords( swelling of), Spermatorrhoea, Strangury, Syphilis, Ulcers, Warts. Russian Experience: In the Russian Far East a shrub known as Aralia manchurian is used as a general tonic of Nastoika( with vodka) for physical and mental exhaustion. India and Pakistan: Known as Country Sarsaparilla, or Indian Sarsaparilla, it grows in many parts of India and Pakistan. The roots are considered a substitute for American Sarsaparilla. Bodily Influence: Demulcent, Alterative, Blood Purifier, Diuretic, Tonic, Diaphoretic. Uses: As an appetizer and for dyspepsia, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, diseases of the genito-urinary tract, chronic cough, etc. Dose: Powdered roots, 10 – 60 grains with milk. Also used as syrup and decoctions from the root. Externally: Ointment for swelling, rheumatic pains, boils, carbuncles.
SASSAFRAS Laurus sassafras( Nutt.) Nees.( N. O.: Lauraceae)
Common Names: Saxifrax, Saloop, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood. Features: The generic name of three species of trees, two native to eastern Asia, one to eastern North America, in the laurel family Lauraceae. In the United States and Canada, Sassafras extends from Maine, southern Ontario and Michigan to Texas and Florida. May approach 100 ft. in height and 6 ft. in diameter, but it is usually smaller, sometimes shrubby.
The bark is dark red-brown, deeply furrowed, soft and brittle with short, corky, layered fracture, with many oil cells. The young twigs are green. The heart wood of Sassafras is dark or orangebrown and resistant to decay. The leaves, bright green above, downy beneath, are 4 – 6 in. long, oval, especially on older branches often mitten shaped, or three-lobed on younger shoots or twigs. In autumn they turn various shades of yellow, orange, pink and deep red. The small greenish flowers appear in April or early May before the leaves. The fruit pistil, which ripens into a blue drupe, is eagerly devoured by the birds. The bark has an aromatic, agreeable taste, and similar fragrance.
In the book“ Trees and Shrubs of Massachus, 1894”, Sassafras has the credit of having aided in the discovery of America. The wind-swept fragrance of the trees encouraged Columbus to persuade his mutinous crew that land was near.
Sold in some areas under the name of Salop or Saloop.
SASSAFRAS Sassafras albidum( Nutt.) Nees.( US. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
Medicinal Parts: The bark of the root. Solvents: Boiling water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Aromatic, Tonic, Diuretic, Alterative.