In this video Matthew Hunter describes the edible and medicinal uses of Sassafras, the original root beer tree. Sassafras roots were historically used as a spring tonic to thin and purify the blood, and they taste delicious! The leaves of sassafras are known as "filé", and are still used as a seasoning in gumbo to this day.

Video correction: I was incorrect in stating that the rhyme at the beginning of the video was an old Appalachian folk song. Apparently it was actually a song that was used to promote sassafras as a medicine at one time.

To get my free guide to medicinal plants of the Southeast, click here: https://www.legacywildernessacademy.c...

Chapters:
0:00 Sassafras Introduction
0:50 Identification
3:01 Edible Uses of the Leaves
4:34 Time of Year and Sustainable Harvesting
6:10 Digging Technique
7:40 Processing the Roots
9:06 Tips for Making Tea
12:13 Other Things to Make with Sassafras Roots
13:13 Medicinal Uses of Sassafras
16:04 Safety Concerns: Is Sassafras a Carcinogen?