Sassaparilla

Parts Used: Roots separated from the rhizome.

Pharmacy name: sarsaparilla root – Sarsaparillae radix (formerly: Radix Sarsaparillae).

Botanical description. In the Central American states of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, the wild ancestor of this plant grows, from which a pharmaceutical product is obtained, which goes on sale under the name Honduran sarsaparilla. This is a tall climbing shrub with a powerful rhizome, from which numerous roots extend about a meter long. The stems are covered with thorns. The leaves reach a length of 35 cm, are heart-shaped and have a 3-7 cm petiole, the base of which expands in the form of a vagina, here curved spikes extend singly in both directions. White flowers are collected in umbrellas; fruits are rounded red berries.

Collection and preparation. The roots are dug up and separated from the knobby rhizome. Then they are cut into 50-75 cm pieces and dried in the air. After drying, the roots become flexible and have a thickness of 3-5 mm. They are combined into bundles and packed in bales.

Active ingredients: saponins, glycosides, sitosterin and a number of other substances.

Healing action and application. Previously, this pharmaceutical product was considered an excellent remedy for syphilis, and was also used as a blood purifier. To this day, sarsaparilla roots are an integral part of many blood-purifying teas. In later times, sarsaparilla is used in the form of tea and in all kinds of tea mixtures for the treatment of psoriasis. Information about the effectiveness of such teas is very contradictory. Some authors report very significant successes, while others consider this remedy ineffective. But since psoriasis is very difficult to treat, in any case, sarsaparilla tea can be recommended in addition to other measures.

  • Tea from sarsaparilla: pour 2 teaspoons of the root into 1/4 liter of cold water and let it brew for 10-15 hours. After straining, heat to a pleasant temperature. Drink 1 cup 3 times every day. It is worth trying to use this tea for articular rheumatism and gout.
  • Collection from psoriasis: Sarsaparilla root 25.0 Strawberry leaves 10.0 Blackberry leaves 10.0 Buckthorn bark 5.0 Pour two teaspoons of the mixture into 1/4 liter of tepid water and let it brew for 12 hours. Then strain. Recommend 2-3 cups every day.

Use in homeopathy. The homeopathic remedy Sarsaparilla is often used in rashes of various nature, accompanied by severe itching, especially in psoriasis, eczema and thrush. They also try to use sarsaparilla for warts and furunculosis. Along with this, this remedy is used for gout and rheumatism, as well as for diseases of the bladder and kidneys. Preference is given to dilutions D 1 -D6 5-10 drops in 3-5 hours. Side effects. Like all medicines with a high content of saponins, sarsaparil should not be overdosed, as it causes irritation of the digestive mucosa.

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