Sassafras

Scientific Name: Sassafras albidum
aka Sassafrax,White Sassafras, Red Sassafras, Silky Sassafras, Winauk, or Cinnamon Wood

A distinctive tree that is very abundant here on our homestead. For those unfamiliar, it is a deciduous tree with three different shaped leaves that share the same branches from a trilobed, two-lobed or single lobed elliptical leaf that appear green to yellow-green. In the fall they turn a flaming shade of yellow and some leaves may be tipped with red. The entire tree is aromatic and spicy. When you break a branch or rub against it you will definitely notice the scent - which personally I enjoy. It is very easy to recognize once you see it and all of the kids can pick it out. It makes a refreshing tea which can be enjoyed in small amounts. The goats and pigs also seem to love it!

[[The following information is shared for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.]]

It has been used by the Native Americans, the Europeans and early Americans as a medicinal herb. The leaves & roots can be used as teas or poultices and the bark could be crushed and steeped in boiling water. It was used to reduce fevers, treat rheumatism, gout, dropsy, kidney disease, toothaches, to relieve inflammation of the eyes, ease menstrual pain, cure various skin conditions [including insect bites, germs, and head lice], used as an antiseptic, to cure urinary tract infections, to relieve swelling, to treat syphilis and even cancer.

Sassafras can be used to flavor sodas and teas. It is also used in cooking as a thickening agent, in salads, as a condiment, or to brew beverages.

It contains a chemical called safrole which has been labeled by the FDA as a carcinogen. This was after testing in rats which were given extreme dosages each day, each person can be their own jury in this. Excessive dose of sassafras can cause anxiety, shakiness, abnormal heart beats, vomiting, dilated pupils,  stupor, spontaneous abortion, collapse and even death.

Indian Pipes UPDATE

I thought I would take some more photos of the Indian Pipes to show them as they are maturing. I can't believe the number of them all over the hillside. Some of them are starting to bloom. I continue to look at that as a positive sign of our continued bond with the land. 

I also found some interesting mushrooms growing near the Indian Pipes. They were quite larger in comparison I placed a penny beside them.

Indian Pipes aka Ghost Flowers, Ghost Plant, or Corpse Plant

Well I was out taking a walk through the forest near our ve, when I looked down and noticed some strange white nubs emerging from the ground. Memories washed over me, as it has been over 20 years since I have seen Indian Pipes! I was ecstatic to say the least and so had to run for the camera. 

So I gathered up the children and started off on an adventure. They were quite curious and I was happy to share a bit of a lesson with them - starting with lesson one DO NOT EAT THESE! We make sure to bring that up as a first topic when out gathering or hunting for herbs. Unless you know 100% what it is and Mom or Dad agrees...it doesn't enter your mouth.

It takes a very special relationship for Indian Pipes to grow, as they are a parasitic plant that does not produce chlorophyl and so cannot produce its own food. It will have its roots tap into the mycelia of a fungus. Then it is able to take nutrients from the fungus. The fungus also has its mycelia attached to the roots of a tree [mycorrihizal relationship - where the tree and fungus share nutrients with one another]. The Indian Pipes do not share anything in the relationship and so therefore are considered parasitic, though they do not cause any damage to the fungus or tree.

It serves as food for a variety of insects as it flowers and spreads its seeds. Once picked or after the have gone to seed they turn black very quickly. The presence of Indian Pipes is a good sign of very rich forests! [That means our relationship and stewardship with the forest is working!!!]

[[The following information is shared for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.]]

There are various medicinal properties for this plant as well. It can be used as an antispasmodic, as a febrifuge, as a pain reliever,  for inflammation of the eyes and skin, bunions, and warts,  as a nervine, and a sedative. It is also known to possess hallucinogenic properties and was used for vision questing. It is known to be TOXIC as well.