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Information about the Herb Sarsaparilla
Smilax ornata, also known as Jamaica Sarsaparilla is part of the Liliaceae plant family. Sarsaparilla originates from central
America, especially Costa Rica.
Botanical Name: Smilax ornata
Plant Family: Liliaceae
Common name: Jamaica Sarsaparilla, Red-bearded Sarsaparilla, Smilax medica
History: The word Sarsaparilla comes from the Spanish word Sarza meaning 'a bramble' and parilla, 'a vine'.Jamaica Sarsaparilla derived its name from being exported to Europe through Jamaica.
- Native American Indians used Sarsaparilla for a wide variety of ailments
- Pirates used Sarsaparilla for syphilis
- Used since the 16th century for syphilis
Tradition:
It was thought:
- to be an antidote to deadly poisons
- that if given to a newborn it would make it immune to all poisons
Plant Constituents of Sarsaparilla
Contains:
- active principle, Parillin (Smilacin)
- glucoside
- sarsapic acid
- sarsapogenin (related to progesterone and used in its synthesis)
- sarsaponin
- starch
and the Fatty Acids:
- palmitic acid
- stearic acid
- behenic acid
- oleic acid
- linolic acid
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- blood purifier
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic
[an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary
system]
immune system suppressant - mild gastric irritant
- pectoral [remedy for pulmonary or other lung and chest diseases]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Root
Sarsaparilla is used for:
Bacterial and Viral Conditions
- retro-viruses, e.g. herpes, HIV etc.
- syphilis
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- coughs and colds
The smoke of Sarsaparilla is used for:
- asthma
Other
- abscesses
- ulcers
Externally, Sarsaparilla is used for:
- abscesses
- rheumatism
- skin diseases
- ulcers
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Sarsaparilla without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Sarsaparilla available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
