SASSAFRAS

the spicy bark of both the trunk and root, especially the latter, of a tree of the laurel family. It is employed medicinally, as "sassafras tea" and in other forms, in dye-manufacture, etc.

Sassafras leaves and twigs contain much mucilaginous matter and are used for flavoring and thickening soups (see GUMBO). They formerly served in brewing SALOOP (which see).