Sarsaparilla ~ Smilax off.

Sarsaparilla

Latin name: Smilax off.

Family: Liliaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: native to tropical America and the W. Indies

Main constituents: steroidal saponins, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol

Energetics: drying, soapy

Main herbal actions: alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, emetic, anti-inflammatory

Minor herbal actions: antipruritic, antiseptic

Main medicinal uses: skin diseases (such as psoriasis), rheumatism, dysentery

Minor medicinal uses: syphilis, hormonal imbalances, GI endotoxemia

Preparations: decoction: 1-2 tsp/cup water; 1:4 dry tincture: 10-40 gtt qd-qid, capsules: 3 grams qd (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations