Sarsaparilla: properties, benefits and infusions

What is sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla is a creeping plant It can reach about 15 meters in length. Their thorny branches they cling and thrive in the branches of trees or thrive in shrub layers. It has heart-shaped, sharp leaves, glossy, with two tendrils at their base, little flowers of white tepals, grouped in umbels, and some red, fleshy fruits that appear in characteristic pendulous clusters.

The european Sarsaparilla, Very common in forests, hedgerows and bushy areas, it extends throughout the Mediterranean basin. But much most appreciated are, both in phytotherapy and for the preparation of the famous sarsaparilla drink, those known as american sarsaparillaof Mexican origin: smilax ornata, Smilax officinalis, Smilax medica, Smilax febrifuga and Smilax siphilitica.

Although fruitsespecially of the European species, have been used in folk medicine as poison antidotethe truth is they are toxic due to its high saponin content. They are consumed by some forest birds.

In phytotherapy, the root is used, powdered or crushedwhich is usually harvested in spring or autumn.

Sarsaparilla properties

In the sarsaparilla composition we find an essential oil, saponins such as sarsapogenin, choline and mineral salts. In tropical species, its content in sarsapic acid, in unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and palmitic, starch and a glycoside, sarsaponin, also stands out.

Due to this composition, sarsaparilla is attributed diuretic, purifying, antirheumatic, anti-gout, slimming, sudorific, laxative, lipid-lowering and antifungal properties.

What is sarzapaRilla used for?

Sarsaparilla, especially the American one, is considered the best cleansing remedy to relieve skin problems and kidney conditions. In any case, a species grows in Europe, the smilax asperawhich does not have as much purifying capacity as sarsaparillas from tropical America, but which is still used in traditional remedies and can be found in many herbalists

These are the main applications of sarsaparilla in phytotherapy:

Being an excellent blood cleansersarsaparilla is indicated to increase the emission of urine and promote the elimination of excess uric acid. It can help reduce the rheumatic pain and gout. As a plant with diuretic properties, and in combination with other antihypertensive and lipid-lowering herbs, it is included in herbal formulas to treat arterial hypertension and the high cholesterol.It is recommended for fight different skin impuritiesAs the acnethe appearance of eczema or boils, hives and other frequent dermatitis. Sarsaparilla extract is incorporated into herbal remedies to treat juvenile acne in internal and topical applications. European sarsaparilla has been usedalthough to a lesser extent, as febrifuge and expectorant, in case of flu and chronic bronchitis.It is also effective as digestive tonicto alleviate heavy digestions and other intestinal disorders, with diarrhea or colic It can also be used in case of constipation as a mild but effective laxative.

Is sarsaparilla for weight loss effective?

Sarsaparilla root acts as a powerful diuretic that facilitates the emission of urine, the elimination of toxins and combat fluid retentionwhich contributes to correct overweight in treatments of a certain duration.

Sarsaparilla drinks that benefit your health

With sarsaparilla we can prepare several infusions with health benefits. We propose two infusion recipes for two of its main uses:

1. Infusion of sarsaparilla for skin impurities

Combine the sarsaparilla with other purifying plants, such as burdock, dandelion and corn silk, in equal parts. Two level tablespoons of the mixture per half liter of water.

It can be done with European sarsaparilla, although it is more effective if Mexican sarsaparilla is used (smilax medical). In this case it is usually combined with guaiac log (Guaiacum officinale).

How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes, leave 10 more to rest and strain. It is about drinking in small doses throughout the day. It can be kept in the fridge, to take it as a refreshment.

2. Infusion of sarsaparilla for the bladder and kidney

As a purifying remedy, to facilitate elimination of toxins and as support in bladder and kidney conditions, sarsaparilla can be mixed with nettle, fumitory, horsetail and walnut leavesin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes, leave to infuse for 10 more minutes, strain and take two cups daily on an empty stomach.

Other ways to take sarzaparRilla

In herbalists and some natural product establishments you can find sarsaparilla in the form of:

Tincture Liquid extract Syrup Capsules Sarsaparilla drink Root beer or sarsaparilla root beer

Precautions and contraindications

Should be avoid high doses and prolonged treatments with sarsaparilla.If used as a diuretic, in case of hypertension or renal insufficiencyit is essential to have medical advice.It is also contraindicated in case of acute nephritis by the potentially irritating effect of saponins on the kidney.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”