Originally Posted by
californiapoppy 
I guess I'll have to ordre it from the States...
You don't have to put file in the gumbo. It is preferred by it doesn't have to be in there. It was used as a thickening agent when people in Louisiana didn't have okra(when okra was out of season). Okra will thicken the gumbo. If you can find some sassafras leaves just dry them out and grind them in a coffee grinder.