The Unusual Case of Sarsaparilla Root

A herb for inflammation, fatigue and psoriasis.

Smilax spp. radix

Sarsaparilla is more commonly known as a strange-tasting soft drink that was popular in the Wild West in the 1900s, however it’s a herb with an unusual and very useful action.

What is unique about sarsparilla is that it is both a strengthening tonic AND a cleansing anti-inflammatory. These two actions are unusual together, but they make it very applicable to the modern era, where many of us are run-down, exhausted but also overloaded with toxins.

A bit of history:

Spanish missionaries learnt about sarsaparilla from Central American healers, who have used it for centuries as a remedy for sexual impotence, arthritis, psoriasis and boils. Later, introduced to Europe, it became popular as a treatment for the great scourge of syphilis, and also as a herb to treat posioning, whether mercury poisoning or snake bites. When the American settlers realised it had such gentle yet wide-ranging effects on cleansing the blood and building strength, it became a favourite sweet drink, much like Coca Cola with the famous coca leaf.

Herbal Action:

Sarsaparilla is a cool, slightly bitter and slightly sweet root.
It is a great example of an ALTERATIVE – a class of herbs that gently and effectively cleanses the blood. ‘Alterative’ or ‘blood cleanser’ are both old-world terms that many people no longer use. What this means in modern terms is that it helps the liver, skin and kidneys to remove toxins, it works as an anti-inflammatory, and improves lymphatic drainage.

This gentle, whole-body cleansing action means that it is well-indicated in systemic and chronic inflammatory conditions, especially when your problems are linked to full-body organs like the skin and the joints.

Due to its cooling, anti-inflammatory effects and its strong affinity for the skin, sarsaparilla is the best herb for psoriasis. It is also useful for boils, eczema, acne and chronic rashes.
It also has an affinity for the joints, making it a top choice for arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Herbal Superpower:

Sarsaparilla is specifically indicated when someone has
irritated, inflammatory skin condition

How to use it:

As a gentle herb, sarsaparilla is best taken daily for a few months. You can take it as a tincture, a decoction, or use the powdered herb.
Another way to use it is to make old-fashioned sarsaparilla cordial.

Sarsaparilla Syrup

Serving size: 3 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 100 g of dried sarsaparilla root
• 1 tablespoon dried ginger, or 2 tablespoons of fresh
• 2 tablespoons of dried cinnamon
• 3 whole cloves
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 4 bay leaves
• 3 cups granulated sugar

Directions:

In a large saucepan, combine water with the herbs and spices (except the bay leaves). Bring to a boil, then drop heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add molasses, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove saucepan from heat, add bay leaves, cover pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let cool completely.
Place a fine-meshed sieve over a large measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout and pour syrup through. Let drain completely and discard roots and spices.
Return liquid to saucepan, add sugar and bring the syrup to a boil. Drop heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour the syrup into a large, clean, dry bottle and let cool. Store syrup in refrigerator for up to a year.

This makes a fantastic healing cordial when mixed with ice and soda water. It is also a great twist when added to cocktails!

References:

Jeremy Ross. 2010. Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A clinical materia medica.

David Hoffman. 2003. Medical Herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine.

Peter Holmes. 1989. The Energetics of Western Herbs. \

Dong, Zhu, Nong, He & Chen. 2017. ‘Astilbin from Smilax glabra attenuates inflammatory responses in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats.’ Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. doi: 10.1155/2017/8246420

Tian, L. W., Zhang, Z., Long, H. L., & Zhang, Y. J. (2017). Steroidal Saponins from the Genus Smilax and Their Biological Activities. Natural products and bioprospecting, 7(4), 283-298.