Sarsaparilla is a plant. The root is used to make medicine.
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Uses
- Sarsaparilla is used for treating psoriasis and other skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and kidney disease; for increasing urination to reduce fluid retention; and for increasing sweating. Sarsaparilla is also used along with conventional drugs for treating leprosy and for syphilis.
- Athletes sometimes use sarsaparilla as a steroid for performance enhancement orbodybuilding. Some supplement makers claim that chemicals (sterols) in sarsaparilla can be converted to anabolic steroids like testosterone. But this is a false claim. The sterols contained in sarsaparilla are not anabolic steroids nor are they converted in the body to anabolic steroids. Testosterone has never been detected in any plant, including sarsaparilla.
- Mexican and Honduran sarsaparillas are used for treating gonorrhea, fevers, anddigestive disorders.
- In manufacturing, sarsaparilla is used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Benefits
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Detoxification, Anti-inflammatory, And Anti-Cancer Properties
Sarsaparilla binds with toxins and detoxifies the blood. Sarsaparilla contains saponin compounds, that are not easily digested, that bind with endotoxin bacteria byproducts and remove them from the body via urine or stool. Sarsaparilla is also a diaphoretic and promotes the excretion of toxins through sweating.
Endotoxins cause powerful inflammatory reactions that can result in fever, flu-like symptoms, cough, headache and respiratory distress. Sarsaparilla has been used in treatment of psoriasis because of its ability bind with endotoxins associated with psoriasis and to reduce the associated inflammation.
Most saponins act as diuretics and force the excretion of toxins through urination. This action supports kidney health by clearing the kidneys of toxins. It is important to drink adequate amounts of water when taking diuretics so you don’t become dehydrated.Studies have also shown sarsaparilla to possess antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Herbalists often use sarsaparilla, burdock root, and yellow dock as a combination herbal cleanse of the blood, kidneys, and liver.
Cautions
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of sarsaparilla during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Asthma: Exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can cause runny nose and thesymptoms of asthma.
Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse. Avoid sarsaparilla if you have kidney problems.
Interactions
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with SARSAPARILLA
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Sarsaparilla might increase how much digoxin (Lanoxin) the body absorbs. By increasing how much digoxin (Lanoxin) the body absorbs sarsaparilla might increase the effects and side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin). - Lithium interacts with SARSAPARILLA
Sarsaparilla might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking sarsaparilla might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Other names
Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla, Honduras Sarsaparilla, Jamaican Sarsaparilla, Liseron Épineux, Liseron Piquant, Mexican Sarsaparilla, Salsaparilha, Salsepareille, Salsepareille d’Europe, Salsepareille du Honduras, Salsepareille du Mexique, Sarsa, Sarsaparillae Radix, Sarsaparillewurzel, Smilax, Smilax Aristolochaefolia, Smilax Aristolochiaefolii, Smilax aristolochiifolia, Smilax china, Smilax febrifuga, Smilax medica, Smilax officinalis, Smilax ornate, Smilax regelii, Zarzaparrilla
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-379-sarsaparilla.aspx?activeingredientid=379&activeingredientname=sarsaparilla
Naturallifeenergy, http://www.naturallifeenergy.com/herbs-sarsaparilla-benefits/