Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla, (smilax officinalis), is a vine that is native to South America, the Carribean, and tropical climates around the world.

In "Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China", Christopher Allison states:

"Sarsaparilla is used all over the world for a wide range of symptoms. These include lung and stomach congestion, skin diseases, herpes, syphilis, psoriasis, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, nervous disorders, epilepsy, chronic liver disorders, colds, fevers, and stomach and intestinal gas.

It helps promote good circulation, clear toxins, balance the glandular system, and stimulate metabolism and male sexual potency.

The natural steroidal glycosides found in smilax make it a favorite for bodybulders and anyone who would like to be stronger and energized. It promotes rejuvination and can be used as an anti-inflammatory.">

History of Medicinal Use

Smilax has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America as a general tonic.

Conditions that indigenous peoples used Smilax to treat included impotence, rheumatism, and skin ailments.

Smilax was introduced into European medicine in the 1400's and since that time has developed a solid reputation as a blood purifier and a cure for rheumatism and for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Since the 1500's Sarsaparilla has been used all over the world for basically the same conditions:

• arthritis
• cancer
• digestive disorders
• fevers
• gonorrhea
• gout
• hypertension
• psoriasis
• skin disorders
• syphilis

From 1820 to 1910 Sarasparilla was registered as an official herb in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for syphilis.

Sarsasparilla has been clinically demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and diuretic.

Sarsaparilla has also been shown to have blood purifying properties and to improve appetite and digestion.

Steroids and Saponins

Smilax contains many saponins and plant steroids, which can be chemically converted into human steroids such as estrogen and testosterone.

While this chemical synthesization has never been proven to occur in the human body, Sarsaparilla remains a favorite with bodybuilders.

Saponins are reported to improve the body's absorption of phytonutrients, which explains Smilax's wide use in herbal preparations as a bioavailability enhancer.

Safety

After centuries of world-wide use and decades of clinical research, Smilax has demonstrated no known side effects and no cases of toxicity have ever been documented.

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Disclaimer

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products referred to on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition or prescribe any treatment.