I haven't tried this myself. I do know the aromatic compound, safrole, is rather toxic and has been found to be a carcinogen. One exposure probably won't do any harm but you should be aware of the danger. It was the original flavoring for root beer. Dried sassafras leaves were the main thickening agent for gumbo (filè) and I think some people still use it.

A nice herbal tea for sore throat can be made from the inner bark of slippery elm. Health food stores probably carry it in one form or another, often mixed with licorice or anise seed.

really?? Gumbo??
I had no idea.

So many natural foodstuffs and extracts and medicinal things just outside the door, yet the knowledge to safely use them is so faded.

I use gumbo file (powdered sassafras leaves) for my gumbo - it adds a super flavor and thickens it right up. You can buy it from Penzey's. Makes me feel like I'm in Louisiana! Or so I suppose, since I'm a Yankee through and through.