Sarsaparilla Root and Powder Profile
Also known as- Hemidesmus indicus (Indian), Smilax medica (Mexican), Smilax ornata (Jamaican), Sarsaparilla, and Beer Root.
The Indian Sarsaparilla produces the strongest aroma and flavor which we typically associate Sarsaparilla products with.
Introduction
In Victorian era England, sarsaparilla enjoyed an unprecedented popularity as a ïspring tonic', believed to help detoxify the body of poisons and toxins accumulated over the course of the winter. When the root was first introduced in Europe by the Spanish conquistadors, it was marketed as a specific remedy for syphilis and leprosy, but over the years it took on more and more qualities of healing until some enthusiasts claimed it could cure everything short of a gunshot wound. By 1911, though, it had fallen into disuse and for decades was thought of as nothing more than a beverage.
Modern science suggests that some of the constituents in sarsaparilla may indeed be useful in medicine, particularly to treat skin conditions and general malaise. In the 1950s, scientists documented the antibiotic properties of sarsaparilla preparations, pointing to its ability to attack microbial contamination in the bloodstream. Its diuretic and detoxification actions have been documented, as has its beneficial effects on both digestion and skin conditions.
Constituents
Aluminum, Ash, Beta-sitosterol, Calcium, Cetyl-alcohol , Chromium, Cobalt, EO, Epsilon-sitosterol, Glucose, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Parigenin, Parillin, Phosphorus, Pollinastanol, Potassium, Resin, Saponin, Sarasaponin, Sarsaparilloside, Sarsaponin, Sarsasapogenin, Selenium, Silicon, Sitosterol-d-glucoside, Smilagenin, Smilasaponin, Stigmasterol, Tin, Zinc
Parts Used
Root
Typical Preparations
Root decoction as a tea or beverage, and seldom found in capsules and extracts.
Summary
After a long period of disrepute as a bogus cure, sarsaparilla is once again receiving serious consideration in the world of medicine. Sarsaparilla seems to have a positive effect on impotence and virility, rheumatism and other autoimmune joint diseases and digestive problems. It has been suggested as a possible treatment for the herpes simplex I virus as well as for RSV, a respiratory virus that causes upper respiratory infections.
Precautions
Not recommended for use while pregnant or while on blood thinning medications and its long term use is not recommended.
