What Is Sarsaparilla Root?

Sarsaparilla is a woody vine that can grow over a hundred feet long. The root from sarsaparilla is used as both a food and medicinal plant in Mexico, Jamaica, China, and Central and South America.

How to Use Sarsaparilla Root (Common Uses)

Sarsaparilla root can be taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, or extract. Sarsaparilla is also a common cooking ingredient.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Sarsaparilla Root

Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine for its diuretic effects and for its ability to reduce inflammation and eliminate excess heat. It is a popular herbal remedy for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, connective tissue deficiencies, psoriasis, and gout. It may help to increase the excretion of uric acid.

Some research suggests that sarsaparilla may help balance the immune system and have a protective effect on the liver.

Due to its anti-inflammatory effects on both the large and small intestines, sarsaparilla root is also used for leaky gut and related conditions. For this purpose, it works especially well when combined with chamomile, turmeric, and marshmallow root.

Sarsaparilla root has a spicy-sweet taste. It is a popular cooking ingredient for making herbal sodas and candies, as well as for improving the flavor of herbal medicines. It is high in minerals such as chromium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

Some companies advertise sarsaparilla as natural way to increase testosterone and enhance exercise performance, however, using sarsaparilla root for this purpose has not been supported by modern research.

Active Constituents in Sarsaparilla Root

Steroidal saponins, phytosterols, starch, resin, kaempferol, quercetin, potassium, chromium, magnesium, selenium, calcium, and zinc.

Notable Facts About Sarsaparilla Root

There are many types of sarsaparilla, and they often come with their own unique names. Honduras sarsaparilla, also known as brown sarsaparilla, is of the S. regelii variety. Mexican or gray sarsaparilla, like the one that we carry, is S. medica. Jamaican or red sarsaparilla is S. ornata. Ecuadorian sarsaparilla is S. febrifuga. Tu Fu Ling or Chinese sarsaparilla is of the S. glabra variety, and there is also the S. china variety which is referred to as Jing Gang Ten.