Sarsaparilla

Lily family, Sarsaparilla family Common name: Sarsaparilla Latin: Smillax regellii

Plant description

The plant is native to the Central American countries of Honduras, San Salvador and Guatemala. It is also sold as Honduras sarsaparilla. A tall climbing shrub with a strong rootstock and many roots emanating from it.

The stems are covered with spines, the leaves grow up to 30 cm long, are heart-shaped and stalked. The flowers are white and arranged in stalked umbels. Spherical, red berry fruits are formed.

Medicinally used plant parts: The roots. They are dug and freed from the gnarled rootstock. They are cut into long pieces and dried in the air. The 3 to 5 cm thick roots are flexible after drying. Ingredients: saponins, glycosides, sitosterol

Curative effects and application

In the past, sarsaparilla was an important remedy for syphilis. Today the dried root is sometimes used in blood purification teas. Sarsaparilla root is also used in psoriasis teas, but its effects are very different.

However, medical measures against psoriasis can very well be accompanied by a tea or tea mixture. The tea is prepared in this way: One lets 2 teaspoons of dried root in 1⁄4 l cold water 10 to 12 hours pull out. Strain and warm up to drinking temperature. Drink 3 cups throughout the day.

Combination with other medicinal plants

The following tea mixture can be prepared to accompany psoriasis therapy: 25.0 g sarsaparilla root10.0 g strawberry and blackberry leaves5.0 g black alder bark. Pour 1⁄4 l lukewarm water over 2 teaspoons of this mixture and leave to infuse for 12 hours, strain. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day, preferably unsweetened, warmed to drinking temperature.

Application in homeopathy

Sarsaparilla is prepared from the dried root. It is also used against milk crust, psoriasis and eczema. The skin rashes itch violently, forming pustules and wheals.

Also for purulent, weeping and crusty blisters, especially on the head and fingers. A remedy but also against inflammation of the urinary tract with urge to urinate and cramps, often purulent and slimy admixtures in the urine. Sarsaparilla can help with muscle and joint rheumatism when the pain is wandering and tearing and arms and legs appear shaky and paralyzed.

The most common potencies are D1 to D6. Side effects may occur due to the saponins contained in sarsaparilla when overdosed. It can then irritate the digestive organs.