SARSAPARILLA

Latin Name: Smilax officinalis

Alternate Names: Dwipautra (Sanskrit), Tu Fu Ling (Chinese)

Family: SMILACACEAE

Parts Used: Root, rhizome.

Properties: Alterative, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Rejuvenative, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Acne, Age Spots, Arthritis, Cancer, Colic, Eczema, Flatulence, Gonorrhea, Gout, Herpes, Hot Flashes, Hypertension, Impotence, Infertility, Leprosy, Leukorrhea, Menopausal Depression, Mercury Toxicity, Ovarian Cysts, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Syphilis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Sarsaparilla has a purifying effect on the genito-urinary tract, helping clear infection. Its alterative properties make it helpful in reducing inflammation from arthritis and rheumatism. Sarsaparilla apears to be an endotoxin binder in the gut, meaning it helps absorb bacterial constituents and carry them out of the body.

It helps the excretion of uric acid and helps cleanse disorders of the genito-urinary system. Sarsaparilla also helps to increase testosterone and progesterone levels in the body. It is said to excite the passions, making men more virile and women more sensuous. 

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Herpes

Topical Applications: Wash for herpes. Compress for arthritis.

Culinary uses: Used to flavor soft drinks, especially root beer. 

Energetics: Sweet, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins (sapogenins, parillin), glycosides, sitosterol, stigmasterin, resin, fat, sugar.

Comments: Jamaican Sarsaparilla is considered the best, with Honduran and Mexican close behind. Look for roots with a rich orangish hue. When Sarsaparilla was first brought from Mexico to Spain in the 1500's it was exalted as a treatment for venereal diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis. This caused it to be very popular with pirates and cowboys. Cowboys ordering Sarsaparilla may have requested this drink after visiting brothels. However, it was not as effective as the claims touted.

The common name Sarsaparilla includes the species Smilax ornata, Smilax glabra, Smilax regelii, Smilax febrifuga and Smilax aristolachiaefolia, which are used interchangeably with Smilax officinalis.