Rosemary's Root Beer Tonic

Description
This sweet, bracing drink from Rosemary Gladstar Slick is reminiscent of old-fashioned root beer, due to the sassafras. It has a cleansing, revivifying effect from the dandelion, burdock and sarsaparilla.
 * Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

 * 3 oz sassafras bark, dried
 * 2 oz sarsaparilla, dried
 * 1 oz dandelion root, dried
 * 1 oz burdock root, dried
 * ½ oz ground ginger
 * ½ oz ground cinnamon
 * ¼ oz orange peel, dried

Directions

 * 1) Mix together all ingredients and store in a tightly closed container.
 * 2) In a large pot combine 1 quart of water and 4 tablespoons of dry mixture.
 * 3) Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
 * 4) Strain and sweeten with honey or stevia (also called "sweet herb") if desired.

Variation
For iced tea, chill the simmered mixture, then dilute it with 1 quart of sparkling water. Serve over ice with a twist of orange peel.