SARSAPARILLA
The roots of several woody climbing plants native to Central and South America constitute the medication sarsaparilla. All of them are species of the genus Smilax, belonging to the family Smilacaceae. Included are S. aristolochiaefolia Miller, known as Mexican sarsaparilla, S. regelii Killip and Morton, commonly referred to as Honduran sarsaparilla, S. febrifuga Kunth, or Ecuadorian sarsaparilla, as well as other undetermined species of Smilax. After sarsaparilla was introduced to Europe from the New World in the mid-sixteenth century, the medication was valued primarily as a treatment for syphilis. This reputation, disguised under the terms "alterative" or "blood purifier," continued in medical circles well into the present century. Sarsaparilla contains a mixture of saponins derived mainly from sarsapogenin and smilagenin. The saponins have a strong diuretic action as well as some diaphoretic, expectorant, and laxative properties. In addition, the plant material is a moderately useful flavoring agent. Neither the whole medication nor its contained saponins is effective in the treatment of syphilis or as a "blood purifier." In recent times, sarsaparilla has been widely promoted as one of the ingredients in various herbal combination products intended to serve athletes and bodybuilders as legal replacements for illegal steroidal medications. To promote such usage, some distributors claim that sarsaparilla contains testosterone. As a matter of fact, that hormone has never been detected in any plant, including sarsaparilla. Advertisements also claim that the saponins in the herb are converted in some way in the body to allow them to function similar to anabolic steroids. This is also untrue. But the most deceptive practice of all with respect to sarsaparilla is the substitution for it, in some commercial herb products, of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) Schult. Known as false sarsaparilla or as Indian sarsaparilla for its country of origin, sarsaparilla belongs to an entirely different plant family (Asclepiadaceae), and it does not contain the same saponins or other principal constituents found in sarsaparilla. Read the label carefully of any product said to contain sarsaparilla; the herb must be obtained from appropriate Smilax species originating in tropical America, not from Hemidesmus. This tropical American perennial plant produces a long, tuberous rootstock, from which grows a ground-trailing vine that climbs by means of tendrils corning in pairs from the petioles of the ovate, evergreen leaves. The small, greenish flowers grow in axillary umbels. For venereal diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea a sarsaparilla tea has been shown to be effective. Bring 1 qt. of water to a boil, adding 2 tbsps. each of sarsaparilla and yellow dock roots. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove cover and add 3-1/2 tsp. of dried thyme herb. Cover again and steep an additional hour. PARTS USED Root. USES Sarsaparilla is anti-inflammatory and cleansing, and can bring relief to skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and itchiness, and help treat rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It has a tonic and specifically testosterogenic action on the body, leading to increased muscle bulk, and it has a potential use for impotence. Sarsaparilla also has a progesterogenic action, making it beneficial in premenstrual problems, and debility and depression associated with menopause. In Mexico, the root is still frequently consumed for its reputed tonic and aphrodisiac properties. Native Amazonian peoples take sarsaparilla to improve virility and to treat menopausal problems. HOMEOPATHY The word sarsaparilla is of Spanish origin from sarza, meaning "bramble," and parilla, meaning "vine," The plant is thought to have been brought as a medicine to Spain from South America around 1573. One of its earliest uses was in the treatment of syphilis. It was also used to treat chronic rheumatism and skin diseases. Sarsaparilla is mainly used for the urinary system and is an important remedy for cystitis and renal colic from kidney stones. Symptoms of cystitis include a constant urge to urinate and pain in the bladder as the last few drops of urine are passed. In addition, there may be dribbling and incontinence, especially when sitting. The urine is cloudy and may be bloody and contain gravel or small kidney stones. This remedy is also good for eczema with deep, bloody cracks on the hands, especially on the sides of the fingers. Rheumatic pain that is worse in damp weather and at night is also treated with Sarsaparilla. People who need this remedy feel very chilly and tend to have itchy, scaly spots, which become crusty, especially in the spring.
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