Smilacaceae
Sarsaparilla
Smilax ornata
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Central America, Mexico, South America
Also known as: Honduran Sarsaparilla, Jamaican Sarsaparilla, Red Sarsaparilla
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema — alterative), rheumatic conditions, gout, secondary syphilis (historical), urinary tract inflammation, digestive tonic. Blood purifier in traditional medicine.
Herbal Actions
Alterative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antifungal, hepatoprotective, tonic
Active Constituents
Steroidal saponins (sarsaponin/parillin, smilogenin, sarsaparilloside), phytosterols, flavonoids, organic acids, starch
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2–3 tsp dried root per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Best combined with burdock root and yellow dock for chronic skin conditions. Effects develop slowly (4–8 weeks). Combine with devil's claw for rheumatic conditions. Saponins increase drug absorption — take 2 hours apart from medications. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Saponins increase drug absorption — potential drug interaction. Avoid with lithium (diuretic). Avoid high doses in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset (saponins). Renal irritation at very high doses. Drug absorption enhancement.