Sassafras is common in Louisiana where I grew up. Gumbo Filé, is the dried and ground Sassafras leaves. When I was a boy, we used to dig up young Sassafras trees in the woods near our house. We'd bring them home, and Momma made a root beer like tea from them sweetened with honey or cane sugar. Wash the roots, peel off the woody outer layer, then boil them to make the tea. Sweeten, chill, and serve. It was uncarbonated.