SARSAPARILLA TINCTURE
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
Species: Smilax ornata
Synonyms: sarsaparilla is also known as Honduran sarsaparilla or Jamaican sarsaparilla.
Common Names: Jamaican sarsaparilla is commonly referred to as sarsaparilla.
Parts Used: The roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are primarily used.
Main Actions: Jamaican sarsaparilla is known for its anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and detoxifying properties.
Other Actions: It may also act as a mild diuretic and possess antioxidant properties.
Description: Jamaican sarsaparilla is a woody vine native to Jamaica, known for its prickly stems and glossy green leaves. It produces small, red berries and has a distinct root system.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses: Sarsaparilla tincture has been used traditionally to promote healthy digestion and reduce intestinal gas, help to support the body’s natural detoxification processes by helping the body to eliminate toxins, help reduce redness, acne, and other skin conditions, help support the immune system by increasing the body’s immunity to infection and illness, help to support healthy weight by helping to reduce cravings and increase metabolism, treat rheumatism, and as a general tonic for overall health.
Plant Chemicals: Chemical constituents of Jamaican sarsaparilla include saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils.
Biological Activities and Clinical Research: Research suggests that Jamaican sarsaparilla exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. It has also been studied for its potential in treating skin conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.
Current Practical Uses: Jamaican sarsaparilla is commonly used in herbal preparations for its purported health benefits, including detoxification and skin health.
Main Preparation Method: The roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are often dried and used to make teas, extracts, or tinctures.
Main Actions (in order): Anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, detoxifying.
Main Uses: Jamaican sarsaparilla is used to alleviate inflammation, promote sweating, and support detoxification processes in the body.
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, plant steroids, saponins, oxalic acid, and fatty acids. It has antibiotic and antifungal activities, as well as liver-protective, appetite-boosting, and diuretic effects.
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Diuretic, tonic.
Cautions: While Jamaican sarsaparilla is generally considered safe, excessive use may lead to gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
Traditional Preparation: Traditional preparation methods include decoction or infusion of the roots to make teas or tinctures.
Contraindications: There are no well-documented contraindications for Jamaican sarsaparilla, but individuals with known allergies to plants in the Smilacaceae family should exercise caution.
Drug Interactions: There are no known drug interactions associated with Jamaican sarsaparilla, but it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it alongside other medications.
Sarsaparilla also increases bioavailability of other herbs and has been used to treat impotence and skin ailments.
Interestingly, it can help maintain proper testosterone and progesterone levels, and is used by bodybuilders as a natural steroid.
Finally, it has been used as a preventative and therapeutic agent for respiratory and allergic diseases.
Recommended dosage: 1ml - 3ml taken daily in a small glass of water or juice on an empty stomach for better absorption.
We use the vine and roots to prepare our tincture.