Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) or sarsaparilla is a spice made from the roots of Smilax. These contain a bitter base and are used dried. Sarsaparilla was once said to have a stimulating and anti-inflammatory effect. Today it is used almost exclusively in the production of soft drinks and root beer. In Germany, sarsaparilla (with an e) is best known from the comic series The Smurfs by Peyo. There it is sometimes also referred to as seven-root and is an unspecified ingredient in Smurf cuisine.

Area of application

• Regulates metabolic organs and activates the excretory function of the kidneys, intestines and skin
• Specific relationship to the kidneys and urinary tract
• Promotes the elimination of inflammatory processes by increasing the flushing out of toxins that have formed

The effect is mainly due to the saponin content, which is attributed to its diaphoretic and diuretic properties. It is best known for its use against chronic skin rashes with severe itching, such as crusta lactea, scrofula, lupus, ulcers and above all lues and psoriasis. As a component of Zittmann's decoction used against lues, the formerly very famous root has survived into the recent past; it has also recently been used again against psoriasis. Because of its diaphoretic effect it was used for sweating cures. It has always been used to treat gout and rheumatoid arthritis. It is frequently used in homeopathy for kidney stones and catarrh of the renal pelvis and bladder, as well as for skin rashes.

No side effects are known.