The complex flavor of hoja santa is not so easily described; it has been compared to eucalyptus, licorice, sassafras, anise, nutmeg, mint, tarragon, and black pepper.
en.wikipedia.org Flora include thorn thickets, wild blackberries, black cherry, bittersweet, sassafras, juniper and honeysuckle.
en.wikipedia.org It was used as a fragrance in perfumes and soaps, food (sassafras tea and candy flavoring) and for aromatherapy.
en.wikipedia.org Many foods contain natural substances which are carcinogenic, for example safrole, which occurs in sassafras and sweet basil.
en.wikipedia.org A safrole-free sassafras extract is now available for flavoring.
en.wikipedia.org