Sassafras Bark Powder (Sassafras albidum)

Ground bark of Sassafras albidum, Sassafras, the aromatic Eastern North American tree whose root bark was the original flavor of root beer until 1960. Sassafras has a centuries-long traditional use among Native peoples and in Appalachian and Southern American herbal traditions as a spring tonic.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Sassafras albidum

Family

Lauraceae

Native region

Eastern United States and Canada

Traditional uses

Spring tonic, traditional beverage flavoring (root beer), file powder (for gumbo)

Notable compound

Safrole (the FDA banned safrole as a food additive in 1960 over carcinogenicity concerns)

What is Sassafras?

Sassafras is a medium-sized tree native to the eastern United States and Canada, known for its distinctively shaped leaves (each tree can have three leaf shapes: oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed) and aromatic bark and roots. The dried young leaves are ground to produce file powder, a traditional Louisiana Creole ingredient in gumbo. The root bark was the original primary flavor of root beer until 1960, when the FDA banned safrole (the aromatic compound that gives sassafras its character) as a food additive citing animal studies on long-term high-dose exposure.

Safety Note on Safrole

Sassafras root bark contains safrole. The FDA prohibited safrole as a food additive in 1960. We carry sassafras for traditional and ceremonial herbal use; we do not recommend regular high-volume consumption.

How to Use

Traditional preparations include tea (decoction of the bark powder) and as a spring tonic. Small amounts are the traditional norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sassafras used for?
Traditionally as a spring tonic in Appalachian and Native American herbalism, and historically as the primary flavor of root beer.

Why isn't sassafras in root beer anymore?
The FDA banned safrole (sassafras's primary aromatic compound) as a food additive in 1960 based on animal carcinogenicity studies. Modern root beer uses safrole-free flavorings.

What is file powder?
Ground dried young sassafras leaves, a traditional Louisiana Creole thickener and flavoring for gumbo. File powder is distinct from the root bark.

Is sassafras legal in the US?
Sassafras itself is not federally scheduled. Safrole as an isolated chemical is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act due to use in MDMA synthesis.

How was sassafras traditionally prepared?
Decoction (simmered tea) of the root bark.

What does sassafras smell like?
Distinctly sweet and aromatic - the original "root beer" aroma.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.