Sarsaparilla

Red-bearded

Smilax officinalis syn. S. ornata, S. regelii, S. medica

Sarsaparilla is most effective for people who are depressed and anxious, blaming their state of mind on the pain they feel. They tend also to feel the cold.

Sarsaparilla has a strong affinity with the urinary tract. Sarsaparilla is prescribed for cystitis characterized by pain as urination ends, and possibly blood or a sandy or gravelly precipitate in the urine. There may be involuntary dribbling of urine, especially on sitting down, and normal flow may only happen when in a standing position.

Long used medicinally by indigenous tribes in South America, sarsaparilla was introduced to Europe in the 17th century as a cure-all. It was later used to flavor root beer.

The dried root is steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.

Uses

The word sarsaparilla is of Spanish origin from sarza, meaning "bramble," and parilla, meaning "vine," The plant is thought to have been brought as a medicine to Spain from South America around 1573. One of its earliest uses was in the treatment of syphilis. Sarsaparilla was also used to treat chronic rheumatism and skin diseases.
Sarsaparilla is mainly used for the urinary system and is an important remedy for cystitis and renal colic from kidney stones. Symptoms of cystitis include a constant urge to urinate and pain in the bladder as the last few drops of urine are passed. In addition, there may be dribbling and incontinence. The urine is cloudy and may be bloody and contain gravel or small kidney stones.
This remedy is also good for eczema with deep, bloody cracks on the hands, especially on the sides of the fingers. Rheumatic pain that is worse in damp weather and at night is also treated with Sarsaparilla. People who need this remedy feel very chilly and tend to have itchy, scaly spots, which become crusty, especially in the spring.

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