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Walnut Shade, MO

A spring tonic from the Ozarks

04-07-08
Carrie Higgs
Carrie Higgs: Real Estate Agent in Branson, MO

Every spring my grandmother would go out in the woods and dig up sasafrass roots. Sasafrass is known to be a spring tonic for most mountain dwellers. She always said it would thin your blood, add energy and get you ready for warmer weather. To make the tea she would boil about 3 cups of water and a half cup sugar along with the sassafrass roots we had found, cleaned and scrubbed of course. The roots are a red color and you can tell it is sassafrass from the smell. It also makes the home smell wonderful! The tea has a spicy sweet taste, but only drink 2-3 cups at a time, too much of a good thing is never good. Enjoy the spring day! CH