Dear Radiant One,
Today, we’re being a voice and advocate for another lesser-known genius plant—sassafras—a botanical treasure that has been celebrated, restricted, and nearly forgotten.
Its aromatic bark and roots once infused traditional medicine, early root beer, and ceremonial practices. But behind its warm, spicy scent lies a deeper story—one of suppression, regulation, and revival.
For centuries, Indigenous healers, from the Cherokee to the Choctaw to the Ayurvedic medicine people of India, and early western physicians revered sassafras for its ability to:
🌿 Cleanse and purify the body, supporting digestion, circulation, and detoxification.
🌿 Enhance sensory awareness and mental clarity, making it a quiet yet powerful ally for altered states.
🌿 Flavor and nourish, serving as the original ingredient in root beer and a key spice in Cajun cooking.
But today, sassafras is barely recognized.
Why Was Sassafras Banned?
In the 1960s, studies suggested that high-dose saf "roll" (a natural compound in sassafras) caused liver cancer in rodents—leading the FDA to ban "saf" role containing foods like root beer. The DEA cracked down on sassafras’ connection to (Masking Direct Meaning Algospeak) production, restricting its use as a “drug precursor.”
But here’s what they didn’t tell you:
🧐 The cancer link was based on extremely high doses—far beyond traditional herbal use.
🧐 Many other common spices (nutmeg, black pepper, basil) contain similar compounds but remain legal.
🧐 The positive impacts were never studied.
Why Do We Ignore Plants That Expand Consciousness?
Sassafras, like many plants before it, was stripped of its spiritual and mental benefits. Governments and corporations have long suppressed natural tools for expanded awareness, replacing them with synthetic alternatives.
Why?
🔹 Colonial suppression erased Indigenous knowledge of plants used for spiritual and healing practices.
🔹 The War on Drugs targeted plants that enhanced consciousness, while pharmaceutical companies profited from synthetic versions.
🔹 Self-sovereignty is a threat—plants that awaken deeper intuition often lead people to question societal narratives.
Yet, despite all efforts to erase it, sassafras has never truly disappeared.
Where Does Sassafras Stand Today?
🌱 Herbalists and home brewers still craft teas and tinctures for those seeking its benefits.
🌱 Gumbo filé (sassafras leaves) remains a culinary staple in Southern traditions.
🌱 MDMA-assisted therapy is increasingly accepted—but its botanical ancestor is still restricted.
The Future of Sassafras: Reclaiming Plant Intelligence
The world is waking up to plant wisdom again. As we rethink consciousness, healing, and sovereignty, maybe it’s time to bring sassafras back into the conversation—not just as a spice, but as a spiritual ally and teacher.
What do you think? Have you worked with sassafras before? Should we offer a Sassafras option from Radiant Farms? We’d love to hear your experience!
With reverence for nature’s genius,
Christine and the Radiant Farms Team