Sarsaparilla Root: Benefits of Sarsaparilla Herb

Sarsaparilla is a perennial woody vine and it is native to South America, Latin America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean. It grows well in many other tropical and temperate zones of the world. Sarsaparilla plant reaches fifty feet in length and has wood like stems and long thorns. It is a medicinal herb which has a variety of benefits. Sarsaparilla roots are mainly used to get relief from various ailments. Due to its rich nutrient content, it has many benefits. In this article there are health benefits of sarsaparilla herb.

Sarsaparilla name is derived from two Spanish words, ‘sarza’ which means thorny shrubs and ‘parilla’ means vines. It belongs to Liliaceae family and the botanical name is Smilax ornate. The different names of Sarsaparilla are Gray Sarsaparilla, Mexican Sarsaparilla, Vera Cruz Sarsaparilla, Equadorian Sarsaparilla, Shot Bush, Red-bearded Sarsaparilla, Brown Sarsaparilla, Smilax, Jamaican Sarsaparilla, Honduran Sarsaparilla and Rabbit Root. It has black, blue or red berry-like fruits and small flowers. Its root is long, tuberous and has a spicy-sweet and pleasant taste when processed but before processing, the roots are bitter, sticky and have a strong odor. Sarsaparilla is also used in soft drink making. Sarsaparilla root can be purchased from the local herb seller. Anti inflammatory properties are found in its roots due to saponin substance in it. Sarsaparilla is laden with vitamins, including A, B-complex, C and D, it also contains two amino acids methionine and cysteine.

Benefits of Sarsaparilla Herb:

Purifier:
Sarsaparilla is commonly used to cleanse the body. Particularly, it is believed to be skillful at removing environmental toxins. For example it eradicates the presence of metallic contaminants such as inhaled smog, from the blood. It does so by promoting sweating and urination, thus eliminating toxins through physical functions.

Antibacterial:
To combat many kinds of infections both externally and internally, sarsaparilla is used. Earlier period, it was the go-to treatment for sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis. Now, it is believed to be beneficial in treating urinary tract infections. It also improves skin conditions like boils, abscesses, wounds, eczema and psoriasis.

Anti-Inflammatory:
Sarsaparilla has been used to relieve discomfort of arthritis and rheumatism. It also helps to prevent attacks of gout.

Hormonal:
Sometimes sarsaparilla is used for hormonal purposes. It is supposed to stimulate testosterone to increase interest in sex and improve sexual function in men. In women, it may increase interest in sex while reducing menopausal symptoms.

Nervous disorders:
It is used in treatment of various nervous disorders. Steep 1 tea spoon of root stock in 1 cup of water and consume it twice a day.

Muscles build up:
The herb is used to develop muscle mass.

Other benefits:

• Sarsaparilla protects against radiation exposure.
• Sarsaparilla is also used to treat venereal diseases, herpes, arthritis, gout, epilepsy, insanity, chronic nervous diseases, abdominal distention, intestinal gas, debility, impotence and turbid urine.
• Sarsaparilla is good for skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. The saponin content of the root helps by disabling bacterial components called endotoxins that show up in the bloodstreams of people with psoriasis.
• In Peru and Honduras the tribal people have long used the plant for curing headaches, joint pain and common cold.
• When Sarsaparilla is taken hot, it induces sweating to help break fevers.
• Many traditional medicine practitioners use the plant root, both internally and externally for treating leprosy and skin problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
• Sarsaparilla tea is good as a wash or poultice on ringworm.
• European physicians use sarsaparilla root as a tonic, blood purifier, diuretic, and sweat promoter.
• Sarsaparilla is also used in flatulence, multiple sclerosis, mercury poisoning, breathing disorders, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• It is combined with other herbs in the naturopathic and herbal medicine practices, for its tonic, blood-purifying, detoxifying and lymph-cleansing properties.
• Sarsaparilla is useful for frigidity, infertility and impotence.
• The plant root is one of the ingredients in a range of herbal remedies prepared for skin disorders, libido enhancement, hormone balancing, and sports nutrition formulas.
• Sarsaparilla is a weak diuretic and laxative, making it useful in removing excess water from the body and also in treating mild constipation.
• Sarsaparilla herb is also used in treatment of multiple sclerosis, flatulence, breathing disorders, mercury poisoning and various STD’s.
• Sarsaparilla is also said to be useful in maintaining the balance of the glandular system.

Side effects of Sarsaparilla Herb:

• Due to its Saponin content, sarsaparilla is a mild gastric irritant.
• Sarsaparilla may cause stomach irritation and temporary kidney irritation.
• Sarsaparilla can increase absorption or elimination of digitalis and bismuth, such combinations are contraindicated.
• Individuals who work in growing, processing, or packing, sarsaparilla have developed asthma from breathing the dust.
• If injected into the blood, however, Saponins can dissolve red blood cells, which may result in serious effects that include death.
• It causes breathing problems or tightness in the throat or chest.
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin.
• Increase in how much urine you pass or how often you pass urine.

Warnings:

• Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Sarsaparilla.
• Prescription medicine should not be taken at the same time as Sarsaparilla, because the medicine may be absorbed or excreted more rapidly.
• Huge dosage of sarsaparilla may cause gastrointestinal irritation, and if it happens dosage should be reduced or stopped. Asthma patients should not take the herb as it can worsen the condition.
• Avoid using more than recommended amounts.

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