Sarsparilla
(Smilax officinalis; Smilax medica)
Family: LILIACEAE
Energetics: Neutral to cooling.
Taste: Sweet. Mildly pungent.
Tissue States: Stagnation. Tension.
Systems Affected: Liver. Stomach. Kidneys.
Parts Used: Root
Key Components: Sapogenins. Saponins. Parillin. Sarsaponin. Glycosides. Sisterol. Stigmasterin. Volatile oils. Resin. Sugar. Fat.
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1-2 tsp per cup water simmered 10-15 min. Tincture: 1-2 ml 3x per day.
Actions:
Foundational: Mild aromatic. Stimulating.
Primary: Diaphoretic. Alterative. Diuretic.
Secondary:Anti-rheumatic. Nutritive. Tonic. Anti-inflammatory. Adaptogen.
Uses:
Skin eruptions including eczema & psoriasis (combine equal parts sarsaparilla, sassafras, burdock root & yellow dock, dandelion root & red clover. Decoct 1 oz per pint of water. take 3-4 times per day should see results in 2-4 weeks but for lasting effect may need to take longer). Venereal disease such as syphilis & gonorrhea. Liver disorders such as jaundice, hepatitis & gout.
As an alterative it works to help the whole body work properly. It can be used to heal all manner of skin problems from the inside such as eczema & psoriasis. Also used as part of a larger protocol for rheumatoid arthritis.
As an alterative blood detoxifier, sarsparilla helps the liver clear the bloodstream so that the hypothalamus can better regulate the endocrine system.
Has been used to treat venereal diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Liver disorders such as jaundice, hepatitis and gout.
Tonic for the adrenals and reproductive system. Balances hormones during times of hormonal imbalance such as puberty, pregnancy & menopause. Balances estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Combines well with: Yellow dock. Burdock & Cleavers (for psoriasis). Equal parts. Sassafras, burdock root, yellow dock root, dandelion root, red clover (eczema/psoriasis). Decoct 1 oz in 1 pint water.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting: Can be harvested throughout the year.
Contraindications:
Sources:
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 311.
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 189.
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Matthew Wood. Pg 333-335.
Studies:
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