Common Name: Sassafras (Named in the 16^th  century by the Spanish botanist Nicholas Monardes as a corruption of saxifrage, from saxum, stone and frangere, fracture, a  plant that  is found in rock crevices.  Probably a corruption of a similar Indian name)

Scientific Name: Sassafras albidum (species albidum is Latin for whitish)   

Potpourri:  The root bark of Sassafras was used by Native Americans in Florida to treat fever, rheumatism and as a general tonic.  When the Spanish came to Florida, they mistook the fragrant sassafras for cinnamon (it is still sometimes called cinnamon tree) and learned of its reputed curative powers.  It became a major export to Europe, second only to tobacco, and sassafras tea became a fashionable beverage. According to the doctrine of signatures, the phallic shape of the leaves suggested use as a treatment for syphilis.  Consequently, it lost respectability and declined as an important export.

Sassafras bark and root produce a heavy, volatile oil called safrole which is the source of its pleasant taste and aroma.  The oil has been used in the manufacture of perfume and soap for its aromatic properties and in the manufacture toothpaste and chewing gum for its taste.  The original flavoring for root beer is the oil of the sassafras root.  It was also employed for numerous medicinal purposes, particularly skin problems such as eczema.

Research conducted in the 1960's revealed that safrole caused cancer in laboratory rats.  Accordingly, sassafras bark and oil were banned by the FDA for flavoring or food additives.  Additional research revealed that, while safrole has some properties that reduce skin irritation, it has no other significant medicinal benefit.