Sassafras is a tree native to Eastern North America.  In Canada and New England, it grows as a shrub to about eight feet, but in warmer southern states, it grows up to 100 feet tall.  Native Americans used sassafras before the arrival of Europeans and the Europeans leaned about it from them.  In fact, it was one of the earliest exports from the colonies back to the old world.  
    Sassafras is used as a beverage but it also has medicinal properties.  An early form of root beer was simple made from boiled sassafras root and molasses.  Sassafras tea is still recommended as a general tonic.  It's also useful for treating stomach and intestinal problems, colds, kidney ailments, liver ailments and as a blood purifier.  It is used as a stimulant, a pain killer, an astringent and a treatment for rheumatism.  It is also used externally for acne and eczema.