Sassafras

The leaves of a tree (variifolium) native to North America. Sassafras is used dried, whole for tea or ground (as file powder) as a thickener and flavoring for gumbo. The root bark is ground and used as the distinctive flavoring for root beer. Look for ground file powder in stores specializing in Louisiana / Cajun cooking. Find whole sassafras leaves dried in tea shops (see buy link).

Licorice extract