Sarsaparilla is a medicinal plant, of the species Smilax officinalisrecommended as a home remedy to help treat gout, rheumatism or arthritis, as it has purifying, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic properties
The normally used part of sarsaparilla is the root, from which substances with medicinal properties are extracted. It can be found in health food stores or compounding pharmacies in the form of powder or capsules, or in its natural form for preparing tea.
Sarsaparilla should always be used under the guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.
What is it for
Sarsaparilla is indicated to help in the treatment of:
- Gout and high uric acid;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Rheumatism;
- Syphilis;
- Kidney or bladder stones, renal colic or nephritis;
- Menstrual cramps or heavy and painful menstruation;
- Skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, acne or wounds.
Additionally, sarsaparilla can also help lower total bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood.
Sarsaparilla is rich in parrilla salsaponin, sitosterol calcium oxalate and glycosides, which give it anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antisyphilitic, depurative, stimulating, toning and antirheumatic properties.
Although it has many benefits, sarsaparilla does not replace medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
How to use
Sarsaparilla can be used in the form of tea or capsules, prepared with the root of this plant.
1. Sarsaparilla tea
Sarsaparilla tea must be prepared using the dried root of the plant.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of dry sarsaparilla root;
- 250 mL of water.
Preparation mode
Add the ingredients to a pan and boil for about 3 or 4 minutes. After this time, cover the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink one to two cups a day.
2. Sarsaparilla Capsules
The sarsaparilla capsule should be taken orally, with a glass of water, and the normally recommended dose is 1 capsule of 500 mg, 2 to 3 times a day, or as directed by a doctor or herbalist.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of sarsaparilla usually arise when the plant is consumed in larger quantities than recommended, which may cause gastrointestinal or kidney irritation.
Therefore, the use of sarsaparilla should only be done under medical or herbalist advice with individualized doses.
Who shouldn’t use
Sarsaparilla should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to this plant or any component present in the capsules.
Furthermore, this plant should not be used by people who have high blood pressure, heart or kidney failure, or anemia.
Sarsaparilla should also not be used by people who use medicines such as digoxin or lithium, as it interferes with the action of these medicines, increasing the risk of poisoning or side effects.
It is important to inform the doctor of all medications that are used to avoid reducing or increasing the effect of the medications.
Bibliography
- MARTIN, B. R. Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis With Acupuncture, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) and Vitamin D: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med. 19. 3; 194-200, 2020
- COSTA, E. Nutrition & Phytotherapy. 2nd. Brazil: Vozes Ltda, 2011. 222-223.
- AMIRA, S.; et al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and apoptotic activities of four plant species used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean basin. Pak J Pharm Sci. 25. 1; 65-72, 2012
