The dried root of Sassafras officinalis. From North America.

Characters. - In branched pieces; bark externally greyish-brown, internally rusty-brown, of an agreeable odour, and a peculiar aromatic warm taste; wood light, porous, greyish-yellow. The chips or shavings, which are the officinal form, resemble quassia, but are browner, and distinguished by their smell.

Composition. - Contains 1 to 2 per cent. of a volatile oil. The bark contains tannic acid to a small extent.