Sassafras Root Bark, Cut & Sifted (Sassafras albidum)

Cut and sifted root bark of Sassafras albidum, the iconic aromatic tree of eastern North America. This is the same source plant as our Sassafras Bark Powder, in the cut-and-sifted format that's preferred for traditional decoction preparations - the larger pieces release flavor more slowly during long simmering and produce a clearer brew than the powder.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Sassafras albidum

Family

Lauraceae

Format

Cut and sifted root bark (larger pieces for decoction)

Native region

Eastern United States and Canada

Notable compound

Safrole (FDA banned safrole as a food additive in 1960)

Traditional uses

Spring tonic, traditional beverage flavoring (root beer)

Why Cut & Sifted Instead of Powder?

For traditional decoction preparation - the simmered "sassafras tea" of Appalachian and Native American tradition - the cut-and-sifted format produces a cleaner brew that is easier to strain than powder. The larger pieces also release their aromatic compounds more gradually during the long simmer. The powder is more convenient for quick preparation or for use as a spice.

About Sassafras

Sassafras is an aromatic tree native to eastern North America with the distinct property that each tree can bear three different leaf shapes: oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed. The dried young leaves become file powder, the traditional Louisiana Creole gumbo thickener. The root bark was the original primary flavor of root beer in the United States until 1960, when the FDA banned safrole (the aromatic compound that gives sassafras its character) as a food additive based on animal toxicology studies.

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 decoction (sassafras tea): simmer 1 teaspoon of cut bark per 8 oz water for 15-20 minutes; strain. Small amounts are the traditional norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Sassafras cut & sifted and Sassafras powder?
Same root bark, different particle size. Cut & sifted is preferred for decoction; powder is more convenient for quick preparation.

Why isn't sassafras in commercial root beer anymore?
The FDA banned safrole as a food additive in 1960 based on animal toxicology studies.

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

How is it traditionally prepared?
Decoction (simmered tea) of the root bark.

Is small-amount use a concern?
The FDA's concern was based on long-term high-dose animal studies; occasional small-amount traditional use is in a different category. Use moderate amounts.

What does sassafras smell like?
Distinctly sweet, 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.