January 08th, 2024

SASSAFRAS

Sassafras leaf study by Manitu Okahas

Medicine of the Eastern Woodland
Sacred feminine, Mother tree
Protect the child, protect the people
Life embraced by leaves three

Ancient and aromatic sassafras is an herbal tree native to the Eastern Woodlands of North America.  This iconic tree with its twisted branches likes the edges and openings of the moist forests of the eastern half of the United States.  It often propagates from the roots of the mother tree as she sends out suckers that draw nutrients from her strength until an opening in the forest occurs.

The easiest way to identify this tree is from its fruity aroma and its leaves.This tree grows three or four types of leaves depending on how you count the types.  The first type is a single oval leaf.  Some of the leaves have the main lobe and a smaller lobe so that it looks like a mitten.  Some of these are the left mitten, some of them are the right mitten.  The final type of leaf has three lobes.

This tree has long been used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans and European colonists.  However, as it contains safrole, its use is restricted for consumption in the United States.

There are a number of other uses for this tree.  The fragrant wood makes a wonderful addition to potpourri and incense.  It is also used in creating perfumes.  The bark creates an orange dye.  This beautiful wood is used for furniture, boxes, cradles, and fence posts.  The fruit is an important food source for wildlife.

Native Americans have a number of legends around sassafras that range from flood stories to healing stories, and stories of protection for children.  In the Eastern Woodlands, Weyonoke (sassafras), is honored as the protective and healing mother tree.  It is seen as a symbol of wealth, health, and good fortune.

For energy workers, sassafras carries the strong energy of the sacred feminine.  It is the mother tree of protection, nurture, and healing.   A sassafras tree growing near by is believed to protect the community.  Some believe that sassafras wood helps keep evil away.  The wood is used for good luck and to protect what is dear.  Many see this wood as bringing wealth, abundance, and safety.

In conventional thinking, when something is seen as beneficial, it should be collected and horded.  In the past, this was done with sassafras and many of the other plants of North America to devastating effect.  I find that these plants have their greatest benefit and greatest magic and energy when they are treated with respect, honor, and reverence.  Sassafras is one of those powerful trees that I believe can protect and heal.  This is best done by the sustainable harvest of suckers and respectful harvest of wood and leaves.  The disrespect of poor harvesting practices, in my experience, does great damage to the environment, the community, and the power of these resources.  Sassafras maintains her strongest connection and energy where she is honored and respected.

Artwork for sale by Manitu Okahas

Digital artwork for download from Buy Me a Coffee

Some of my sources for this article include:
thedruidsgarden.com
thespruce.com
​USDA Plant Database