Herbs - Sarsaparilla - Ailments / Situations Where Used

This plant is a wonderful blood cleanser and is a specific for many skin conditions such as psoriasis or eruptive skin conditions. It is very useful in cases of rheumatism and gout. Historically, it has been used against venereal diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, vaginal and anal itch. It is used in liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis.

Sarsaparilla has been used successfully in France for the treatment of genital herpes. The plant is used for sexual debility and impotence, probably due to the plant's so-called testosterone content. The steroid saponins do help manufacture sex hormones and it also contains cortin, a hormone that regulates metabolism and produce a balanced hemostatic function. The plant has a progesterone-like effect that produces heavier muscle tone and is very popular amongst sports people to build body and improve performance.

A hot decoction is excellent for promoting profuse sweating and is used for colds, flu, fevers, and mucous problems. It powerfully expels gas from the stomach and intestines. Externally, it can be placed on skin eruptions with pleasing results.

A similar species used in China, Smilax glabra, is used for bacterial dysentery, mercurial poisoning, leuccorrhea, and as the treatment of choice for the primary stages of syphilis.