What is Sassafras Bark Powder?

Sassafras Bark Powder is the ground bark of Sassafras albidum, an aromatic tree in the laurel family (Lauraceae) native to eastern North America. We carry it as a botanical for traditional and historical interest.

About the plant

Sassafras is famous for bearing three different leaf shapes on a single tree: oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed. Its dried young leaves are ground to make file powder, the traditional Louisiana Creole thickener for gumbo. Sassafras root bark was the original primary flavor of American root beer until 1960, when the FDA prohibited safrole, the tree's characteristic aromatic compound, as a food additive. Sassafras bark contains safrole; we offer it for its botanical and historical significance only.

Related herbs

• Sassafras Root Bark, Cut & Sifted — the larger-piece format.

Sassafras Bark Powder: form & sizes

We carry Sassafras Bark Powder as ground bark powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Sassafras Bark Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Sassafras Bark Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Sassafras albidum

Family

Lauraceae

Native region

eastern United States and Canada

Plant part

bark

Notable compound

Safrole (banned as a food additive in 1960)

Sold as

Botanical for traditional and historical use

Form

ground bark powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb