Sarsaparilla, also known as smilax Aspera or Moorish bramble, is an herb native to Asia, Africa, and Europe, coming from a homonymous shrub. The tree comprises brown roots and white, brown, yellow, and green flowers. The sarsaparilla root is crucial since it contains all the properties that make this herb a treasure of natural medicine. Sarsaparilla is also known as a drink prepared with the origins of the plant and that many people usually consume to treat diseases. There are many ways this herb can benefit the body, so in this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn about the properties and medicinal properties of Sarsaparilla.
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Sarsaparilla properties
Among the main properties of Sarsaparilla are:
- It’s a diuretic and purifying action. Sarsaparilla root is rich in calcium, minerals, potassium, and magnesium, which stimulates urine production, lowers blood pressure and eliminates more toxins, thus promoting weight loss and preventing fluid retention.
- Sarsaparilla has diaphoretic action, which stimulates body sweating, being of great help to lower the temperature in cases of very high fever.
- Sarsaparilla has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which is why it is widely used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and leprosy. Similarly, because of its antibacterial property, Sarsaparilla is used to heal wounds and prevent infection.
- Sarsaparilla’s antiseptic property makes this plant mainly used to treat kidney diseases and urinary tract infections.
- The high content of linoleic oil gives Sarsaparilla the antioxidant property for which many people seek this medicinal plant. Antioxidants reduce the negative effect of free radicals on the body’s cells and prevent premature aging. Linoleic acid also makes Sarsaparilla an option to burn fat and improve the number of lipids in the blood.
- Due to its tonic property, this plant has a liver cleansing effect that purifies the liver of accumulated toxins.
- Sarsaparilla has a detoxifying effect, which is why it is considered that it can positively help in the elimination of metals in the body.
Medicinal uses of Sarsaparilla
The medicinal uses of Sarsaparilla are very diverse, and we will detail them below:
- Avoid fluid retention. Thanks to its diuretic property, Sarsaparilla prevents fluid retention, which helps to improve cellulite, and obesity and is very beneficial for people with diabetes. The diuretic effect is also used to avoid the appearance of edema and to purify the body of toxins accumulated in the liver and kidneys.
- Lipid reduction. Another medicinal use of Sarsaparilla is its action to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood, improving cardiovascular health and preventing diseases such as arteriosclerosis and heart attacks.
- Rheumatic diseases. Sarsparilla is widely used to improve the symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis since its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect reduces the intensity of pain in the joints.
- Skin diseases . Many of the conditions that affect the dermis result from an accumulation of toxins, such as atopic dermatitis. Because of its property of purifying the body, Sarsaparilla is widely used topically to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even herpes.
- Urinary tract diseases . Sarsaparilla’s diuretic and antiseptic capacity, derived from its zinc and ascorbic acid content, make this plant a natural remedy for treating urinary tract infections and other pathologies such as kidney and bladder inflammation.
How to take Sarsaparilla
The recommended daily dose of Sarsaparilla is 2 grams of root powder, and the best way to take it is through its natural consumption, which allows obtaining all its benefits. How to take Sarsaparilla? There are two alternatives:
- Sarsaparilla tea . You should buy ground or chopped sarsaparilla root in health food stores or herbalists to prepare sarsaparilla tea. Then, add a tablespoon of Sarsaparilla to a liter of water and cook for 15 minutes. Then filter and drink up to two glasses a day.
- Sarsaparilla extract. You may also find it in health food stores; it is the extract of the herb’s root presented in drops. The proper way to take Sarsaparilla in this presentation is to add up to 30 drops to a glass of water.
Sarsaparilla side effects and contraindications
If Sarsaparilla is consumed in excess, it can cause:
- Gastric irritation can cause vomiting and nausea.
- Blood pressure imbalance.
- Dehydration
- Only the herb’s root should be consumed since its fruits are toxic.
Also, sarsaparilla is contraindicated if:
- You suffer from gastritis or irritable bowel.
- You are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- If you have ulcers.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.