Sassafras oil is an oil taken from the root-bark of the sassafras tree. Sassafras oil overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Safrole, a clear or slightly yellow and oily liquid

• Sassafras oil

Note: The United States and Canada have banned sassafras oil (other than trace amounts of safrole) from foods and medications since 1960. It's active ingredient, safrole, is a recognized cancer-causing substance.

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Sassafras oil overdose Symptoms

Review Date: 01/26/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)