Sarsaparilla
Smilax(?)
Other names: Sarsaparilla
Edible plantSafety information
Safety information
Toxicity: None known reported.
Contraindications: Caution with digitalis.
Interactions: May increase the absorption of digitalis glycosides.
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
decoction · root and rhizome
Part used: root and rhizome
Traditional use: Traditionally used as a widely applicable alterative for scaling skin conditions like psoriasis (especially with irritation) and as part of treatment for chronic rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to prepare (traditional): Decoction: place 2-4 teaspoons of root in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer 10-15 minutes.
Dosage note (descriptive only): Drunk three times a day. BHP: 1-4 g dried herb three times daily.
tincture · root and rhizome
Part used: root and rhizome
Traditional use: Alterative / antirheumatic.
How to prepare (traditional): Tincture at 1:5 in 60% alcohol.
Dosage note (descriptive only): 1-2 ml three times a day.
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: root used as a flavoring (traditional root beverages)
Nutritional notes
Flavoring.
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003) — materia medica, Smilax spp.