Sarsaparilla, Dried
Latin Name: Smilax officianalis
Family: Liliaceae
Description
There are numerous species of sarsaparilla which are native to the West Indies, America, and India. In the 17th century, the berries and leaves were said to be an antidote to deadly poison if drunk before or after ingestion. The root tastes sweet and spicy and has an aromatic odour. Of all the species, the Jamaican variety is said to be the most potent medicinally.
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.
Source
Root
Preparations
Decoction: Bring three teaspoons of root and three and one half cups water to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day.
Tincture: Take 60 drops daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
There are no known contraindications.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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