If you have ever read a book from the popular kiddie series Berenstain Bears for yourself or for a little one, then you might know that Mama Bear loves her sassafras tea. The assumption would be that the natural herb must be good for the health if even bears love it. Well, the answer is a little more complicated than a quick “yes” or “no”. It’s time investigate what it can do and if it can possibly treat painful anal fissures.
What is sassafras and what can it do?
The sassafras tree has been recognized as a producer of ingredients that can be used for either medicine or flavoring, or even a fusion of both. There are signs that the tree has also been grown in England. In fact, it may have existed there as early as the 17th century and was even used by Spaniards as a cure for various ailments, such as rheumatism and syphilis. In early America, oil and flower from the sassafras tree have also been used for other ailments, such as urinary tract infections, arthritis, influenza, gout, skin problems, and other conditions. The medical oils and extracts are squeezed out of the bark, roots, and even the leaves, which also produce ingredients to use in sauces.
Could you use sassafras (sassafras albidum) to treat anal fissure?
Based on the characteristics that enable the herb to heal other medical problems, the sassafras may have the ability to hasten the healing of the skin surrounding the anal fissure. Unfortunately, not enough studies can back up this recommendation and more likely, patients would fare better by using other, gentler herbs rather than the sassafras (sassafras albidum) to treat anal fissure.
What exactly is the problem with sassafras?
You may say that the efficacy of the sassafras has been deemed obsolete, and the oil has been marked as even worse. During the 17th century, it has been accepted without any disputes as a means to heal the abovementioned diseases and conditions. However, its safrole content has been discovered to be poisonous. A drop of its oil can even immediately cause the death of an infant and a teaspoon can cause vomiting and collapse in a young, healthy adult. Pregnant women should avoid the oil at all costs as it has also been found to cause abortions.
By 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had even banned the use of sassafras in tea. So, you could say that the supposedly medicinal herb has been unmasked as a producer of highly dangerous oil. It is advised that you refrain from using it, especially if you are going to prepare the tea or medication yourself.
In conclusion, while this may be disappointing, patients with anal fissures should seek help elsewhere. Though the situation may be a little desperate, it is best to find an effective and safe source of medication. It is understandable that one who is suffering from the condition should seek all types of alternative medications as well, but sassafras is not the answer.
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