Origin. - The dried pith of Sassafras variifolium (Salisbury) O. Kuntze, a tree indigenous in North America.

Description and Properties. - In slender, cylindrical pieces, often curved or coiled, light, spongy, white, inodorous, and insipid. Macerated in water, it forms a mucilaginous liquid, which is not precipitated by the addition of alcohol.

Official Preparation

Mucilago Sassafras Medullae - Mucilaginis Sassafras Medullae - Mucilage of Sassafras Pith. - Dose, freely.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - .Mucilage of sassafras pith is an agreeable demulcent and a mild local stimulant, and may be used for the same purposes as slippery elm, tragacanth, acacia, etc. It forms a pleasant vehicle for more active remedies.