Ague

This tree grows in the Southern United States. The height of the tree varies from ten to 100 feet. The leaves are ovate (egg-shaped) and the flowers are greenish-yellow. The blue fruit is round and borne on the end of a thick reddish stalk.

Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, ovate to elliptical, entire, 3 to 6 inches long with 1 to 3 lobes. The 2-lobed leaf resembles a mitten, the 3-lobed leaf resembles a trident. Flower: Dioecious, green-yellow in color, borne in 2 inch racimes. Present March to April. Fruit: Dark blue, ovoid, fleshy drupes that are borne on red stalks. Maturing August to September. Twig: Slender, green and sometimes pubescent, with a spicy-sweet aroma when broken. Buds are 1/4 inch long and green. Bark: Brown, with cinnamon-brown inner bark, becoming coarsely, ridged and furrowed. When cut the spicy aroma is obvious. Form: Small to medium-sized tree with an irregular, usually flat-topped crown. Root suckering may result in thickets.



Common Name:
Ague
Botanical Name:
Sassafras albidum
Other Names
Sassafras, ka na sti, saxifrax, cinnamon wood, saloip
Habitat:
Rich woodland Areas
Medicinal Uses:
Stimulant, destroys certain protozoa, increases perspiration, relieves toothaches, clears skin infections, stimulates kidney function, purifies blood, varicose veins, ulcerations, inflamation of the eyes, rheumatism, gout, syphilitic infections, gastric tonic, antiseptic, ant repellant, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, pain killer, fever reducer, anti-diarrhea
*This plant contains an ingredient known as safrole which is known to cause cancer in laboratory rats and is banned in the Unites States for distribution and usage; Also do not use this herb if pregnant because it can induce menstruation and labor
Preparation and Dosage:
Used in teas and elixirs, also as a throat spray. 4 tsp to 1c. water once every four days.
poltices of crushed root can be applied to skin ailments and used externally.
Parts Used:
Root Bark
Location:
United States
Classification:
Tree
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs by Joseph Kadans, N.D.,Ph.D. Copyright © 1970 Parker Publishing Company, Inc. pp.176-177
Essential Guide to Natural Home Remedies by Penelope Ody Copyright © 1977, 2002 by Penelope Ody pg.13
Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal by Rosemary Gladstar Copyright © 2001 by Rosemary Gladstar pg 163
Tom Brown's Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants by Tom Brown Jr Copyright © 1985 by Tom Brown pp181-184
Peterson Field Guides Edible Wild Plants by Lee Allen Peterson Copyright © 1977 by Lee Peterson pg 210
The Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garrett Copyright © 2003 by J.T. Garrett pp 95,138, 187, 238
Dendrology at Virginia Tech