What is Sarsaparilla Root, and what is it used for? As with most natural remedies, this popular root has far-reaching benefits when it comes to addressing a number of health problems. And, it seems to have a pretty good track record, having been used for centuries.

Patients suffering from liver disease and syphilis are no strangers to the benefits of Sarsaparilla root, also known by its botanical name Smilax spp. This natural cure has also been very successfully used to address many skin disorders, including eczema and psoriasis.

The various species of this root are known by the common name Sarsaparilla. Many species are found across Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, where people have been making good use of its medicinal properties for centuries. In fact, people the world over have been known to tap the properties of this root for alternative medicine—and the modern world is no exception either.

This vine-like creeper that consists of wood-like stems and large thorns was introduced to Europe from Mexico toward the end of the 15th century. The Europeans began using this root to cure rheumatism and syphilis in the sixteenth century. Pharmacists in the US began to use the medicinal properties of this root to cure syphilis as late as the 1850s.

Sarsaparilla has been an ingredient of many patented medicines for many years and has been known to be used as blood purifier, diuretic, tonic and sweat inducer, among many other applications. Since some medical professionals also claim that Sarsaparilla is a good source of herbal testosterone, this herbal medicine has been used for a long time as a sexual rejuvenator for men and perhaps a replacement for an anabolic steroid in many formulas used for body building.

Sarsaparilla is a good source for sarsasapogenin (steroidal saponins). Scientific researchers are of the opinion that Sarsasapogenin is a good replacement for natural male hormones because they can duplicate the actions and properties of these hormones. This is a point that many doctors and medical men have argued against vehemently. So, there is a great deal of doubt pertaining to this property of Sarsaparilla. It is also a great source of beta-sitosterol, a component that may be related to the herbs anti-inflammatory properties as well as liver protecting properties. There has also been a lot of European literature on the good effects of Sarsaparilla on psoriasis.

Traditional Use

Much has been written about this herb, which can be supported by medical research. However, many uses of this ancient herb originate from folklore. The Mexicans have been using the medicinal properties of this herb to cure conditions that include terminal ailments such as cancer and a host of other skin diseases. Toward the end of the 20th century, herbal doctors were known to have put this herb to use to cure leprosy. It is no secret that naturopaths have used this herb and have reportedly cured many women’s diseases because of its progesterone-like properties. This herb has also been used to flavor root beer before better and more convenient flavoring agents were discovered.

Administrators of this root recommend a dosage up to three times a day in the form of a tea or liquid extract. While some have to brew this root as a tea, readymade capsules containing a powder of the root are available. The dosages vary according to the condition being addressed and the doctor’s prescription.