Difference between revisions of "Sarsaparilla"

Revision as of 05:06, 24 November 2013

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
Sarsaparilla is a climbing, evergreen vine found in Australia, Southeast Asia, Jamaica and the rain forests of South and Central America. If you've ever sampled old-fashioned root beer, then you're familiar with the unique aroma and flavor of the plant's root.

Special Precautions of Sarsaparilla

• Do not confuse with Indian Sarsaparilla
• It might cause stomach irritation, especially when used in larger amounts.
• Allergic Reactions : Some people may have an allergic reaction to sarsaparilla root preparations, such as hives or skin rash. Inhalation of sarsaparilla root may trigger an asthma attack, according to a paper published in the June 1996 issue of Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. If you experience chest pain, swelling of the tongue or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
• Asthma: Exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can cause runny nose and the symptoms of asthma.
• Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse. Avoid sarsaparilla if you have kidney problems.
• Hormonal Effects : One of the steroid saponins found in sarsaparilla root is diosgenin, the same compound found in Mexican yam. Diosgenin is a building block essential for the production of steroid hormones, namely estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that this conversion doesn't take place in the body, though, and that the only way to get these hormones from diosgenin is by chemical synthesis in a lab. While many proponents of sarsaparilla root insist that the aphrodisiac properties of the herb are due to the presence of progesterone in the root itself, this isn't the case. Likewise, some body builders claim that sarsaparilla root increases muscle mass due to being a rich source of testosterone, while others contend that menopausal symptoms in women are reduced due to estrogenic activity. Michael T. Murray, N.D., author of "The Healing Power of Herbs," puts the argument to rest by clarifying that sarsaparilla root does not contain testosterone or estrogen. However, the medical center staff points out that since diosgenin is the same substance used to produce the first birth control pills of the1960s, it may produce estrogen-like effects in the body. This is because diosgenin interacts with estradiol, a natural hormone produced by the body that is also found in certain medications. Therefore, if you are taking oral birth control medications or undergoing hormone replacement therapy or treatment for a hormone-driven cancer, you should avoid sarsaparilla root.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with SARSAPARILLA
• Lithium interacts with SARSAPARILLA

Benefits and uses of Sarsaparilla are

The root has also been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and blood toner, and to treat skin disorders, inflammatory diseases and syphilis. Now it is mostly used in diluted form as a homeopathic remedy.

• Bladder Infections : Sarsaparilla homeopathic remedy is one of the top five remedies recommended by Asa Hershoff, N.D., D.C. and author of "Homeopathic Remedies, a Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Homeopathic Treatment." If you experience symptoms, such as burning sensation at the end of urination, pain that radiates in the abdomen, urination urgency and bed-wetting, blood in the urine, your symptoms gets worse at night and with movements, and you feel better when standing, homeopathic sarsaparilla may help you, says Hershoff.
• Skin Conditions : Although best known as a remedy specific for urinary tract, homeopathic sarsaparilla may help skin conditions such as eczema, notes Roger Morrison, M.D., author of "Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms," especially if you have dry, thick, itchy skin associated with cracks of the hands and soles of the feet.
• Painful Menstruation : If you suffer from dysmenorrhea, a gynecological condition characterized by painful menstruation, homeopathic sarsaparilla may help you. This remedy is indicated when pain during menses is felt in the abdomen and low back, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and frequent urge to urinate, according to Frans Vermeulen, homeopath and author of "Concordant Materia Medica."
• Headaches : Certain type of headaches may respond quickly to homeopathic sarsaparilla. When a headache is felt as a tight band around the forehead, has a shooting, throbbing quality, the scalp is dry, itchy and sensitive, and the head pain is associated with nausea, vomiting and depressed mood, a homeopath may recommend you try sarsaparilla, says Vermeulen.