What is sassafras tea and how is it made?

Sassafras tea is made from the roots of the sassafras tree. After the roots are dug, the outer layer of bark is scraped off and they are washed. Then they are chopped and boiled in water. For a gallon of tea, boil about 4 average-sized roots in a gallon of water for 15-20 minutes. The longer they are boiled, the stronger the tea. Strain the tea and serve it either hot or iced. Sassafras tea was considered a spring tonic by mountain people.