How to Prepare Sassafras Root for Tea

The sassafras tree grows native to North America. It features aromatic leaves and bark with curved, multi-lobed foliage. Sassafras, according to Southern Angel, was one of the first American teas brewed by pioneers. The spicy, sweet taste led to the invention of root beer in addition to the tea's rising popularity. Sassafras is often used to treat stomach upset, arthritic joints and fever. You can brew this tasty tea at home by preparing the roots properly.

Fresh sassafras roots
Warm water
Scrub brush
Sharp knife
Cheesecloth
Tea kettle
Honey

Instructions

- 1
  Pour warm water over your sassafras roots so they're thoroughly wet. Scrub each root with a small scrub brush, loosening dirt and grime. Rinse them in warm water five or six times to ensure they're clean.
- 2
  Chop your roots up into fine pieces, making sure to reserve any bark that falls off of the roots. The bark is where most of the flavor is. Scoop about a tablespoon of chopped bark into a square of cheesecloth and tie it into a bundle.
- 3
  Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a tea kettle. Remove the kettle from heat and toss in the cheesecloth-wrapped sassafras root. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth. Fill a mug with tea and sweeten to taste with honey or your preferred sweetener.

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