Sarsaparilla Root Powder, Mexican (Smilax Medica)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Sarsaparilla Root Powder, Mexican (Smilax Medica) HERB COMMON NAME :  Sarsaparilla HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Smilax Medica OTHER NAMES :  Mexican Sarsaparilla, Chaney Root, Black Creeper, Sariva, Kalisar, Dudhilata, Sugandhi, Tu Fu Ling, Dwipautra FAMILY :  Smilacaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 1st Root Chakra (Muladhara) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Rune: Dagaz Tarot Card: Knight of Cups Spirit Animal: Horse, Stag, Deer, Goat Sabbat or Holiday: The Great Rite / Hieros Gamos / the Sacred Marriage ; Lupercalia (February 15), Ostara / the Spring Equinox (btw. March 19-23) ; the Full Pink Moon (April) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Hebe, Juventas, Apollo, Hermes, Heracles/Hercules, Idun, Shakti, Cernunnos, Aengus, the Green Man   Parts Used:  Root Description:  Sarsaparilla is a term many people associate with a soft drink that was popular in American west in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, however, the soda’s tang is largely due to artificial flavorings rather than natural sarsaparilla root. In addition to flavor, all of the vine-like plants in this genus contain several active compounds in their roots, including a variety of minerals and antioxidants. While powdered sarsaparilla is usually added to baked goods and beverages or taken in capsule form, the dried root is tinctured or used to make teas and syrups. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered European sarsaparilla an antidote to poisons. But the herb was not popular in herbal healing until the 16th century, when Spanish explorers discovered the Caribbean species, a prickly “zarza” vine “parra” that was small “illa”. That description became our word sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla has one of the highest saponin concentration of all plants. Saponins can mimic estrogen and testosterone in the body. Caribbean and North American Indians used the herb to treat skin conditions, urinary complaints, and as a tonic to keep one young and vigorous, both physically and sexually. Sarsaparilla will balance the glandular system and hormones and can be used as a general tonic during menopause and improve debility and low libido. Though there is no actual testosterone or estrogen present in the plant, it may exhibit testosterone-like and estrogen-like effects (for example, increased muscle mass and aphrodisiac effects). The sterols found in sarsaparilla have been shown to increase blood flow and sperm motility. It has also been found to help hair grow. In 1494, an epidemic of unusually virulent syphilis swept Europe, killing thousands. Europeans focused on sarsaparilla to treat it. The conquistadors began shipping Mexican sarsaparilla back to Spain around 1530, and by 1600 it was widely used throughout Europe as a strengthening tonic and treatment for syphilis. Sarsaparilla and syphilis have been entwined ever since. Seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper called it the treatment of choice for “the French disease,” the English name for syphilis. By 1800, many physicians denounced sarsaparilla as completely ineffective against syphilis, but their words fell on deaf ears. Mid-19th-century trade records indicate Britain imported upwards of 150,000 pounds a year, much of it for treatment of syphilis. Culpeper also recommended sarsaparilla for eye problems, head colds, gas pains, and pimples. Sarsaparilla was first recognized in Peru for its pain-relieving properties, for headaches, joint pain, and symptoms of cough, cold and flu. Sarsaparilla has been used for chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and other scaling skin diseases.  The saponins in sarsaparilla help reduce joint pain and skin itching, and also kill bacteria. In a 1942 study published in the New England Medical Journal, 50% of psoriasis sufferers that were given large daily doses of sarsaparilla for 2-3 months showed improved conditions, where subjects with chronic plaque psoriasis showed the most benefit. It has also been shown to help eczema, rashes, skin fungus, pruritus, and wounds. It has also been used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Historical Uses:  poison antidote, irritated skin, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, itching, skin rash, skin fungus, antifungal, pruritis, wounds, cuts, grazes, youthfulness, energy, physical vigor, muscle building, sexual vigor, syphilis, vision, cold, flu, influenza, cough, gas, flatulence, acne, steroid, stimulates natural cortisone, metabolism, obesity, weight loss, immune boosting, testosteronic, low testosterone, progesteronic, low progesterone, low estrogen, estrogenic, male fertility, female fertility, infertility, sperm health, male aphrodisiac, female aphrodisiac, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, symptoms of menopause, sexual desire, workout, antibacterial, cleansing, diuretic, diaphoretic, swelling, bloating, water retention, mild pain relief, headache, joint pain, cleanse, detox, detoxification, anti-aging, hair loss, hair growth, alopecia, baldness, erectile dysfunction, impotence, exhaustion, fatigue, lethargy, tiredness Mystical Attributes:  In Hoodoo, sarsaparilla is said to grant health and happiness, and prolong life. It is believed to promote sexual energy and excite passion. Sarsaparilla also symbolizes cleansing the soul. Mix sarsaparilla with sandalwood and cinnamon, and sprinkle around the home to or business to draw money. Mystical Intentions:  youth, eternal life, longevity, energy, passion, sexual vigor, virility, sexual desire, sex magic, tantric magic, fertility, protection from illness, money, fortune, prosperity, athletic success, beauty, cleansing, luck in competition, lust, potency, revitalization Taste & Smell:  Sarsaparilla tastes similar to root beer, with notes of sweet licorice, caramel, vanilla and wintergreen. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Sarsaparilla occurs over the greater part of India, from the upper Gangetic plain eastwards to Assam and in some places in central, western and South India. Smilax medica is native throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, Mexico and other regions. This sometimes prostrate (laying downward on the ground) and sometimes semi-erect shrub is slender, twining, and laticiferous (contains and secretes latex). The stems are numerous, slender, cylindrical and slightly tapering without substantial grooves or ridges, and thickened at the nodes. The joints of the stem have straight prickles, and a few hooked ones at intervals. The plant’s bright green (on both sides) paper-like leaves are smooth, opposite, attached to the stalk by a short stem, and very variable, elliptic-oblong or earlobe shaped like the head of a lance tapering to a point at each end, with five-nerved prominent veins underneath. The outside of the flowers is greenish, and the inside purplish. The umbels have twelve flowers with the pedicle three lines long. The roots of sarsaparilla are aromatic and woody. Sarsaparilla is common in partly shaded wooded areas because it uses its tendrils to climb up the trees. It is widely found in temperate, moist and warm areas. It grows well in a rich, well-drained soil. To grow sarsaparilla, cold-stratify seeds for 90 to 150 days. Do this by placing them between layers of damp paper towels in a lidded plastic container and storing it in an unheated garage or in the refrigerator. The winter cold is necessary for seed germination. Check towels and renew moisture once a month if needed. Plant into individual pots once large enough to handle. Plant out in the garden the next spring or summer. Harvest roots in the fall when the flavor is most concentrated. Dry for later use. Store dried sarsaparilla roots, root pieces, or sarsaparilla root powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Avoid high use due to saponins causing GIT complaints. Long-term use may cause ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. May increase the absorption or increase the elimination rate of some medications (theoretical based on saponins, no reports exist). May decrease potassium levels. In large amounts, may cause stomach pain. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid use with kidney problems.   Constituents: Steroidal & glycoside saponins (smilagenin, sarsasapogenin, sarsaparilloside, sarsaponin) Safrole Flavonoids (quercitin) Phytosterols Starch Resin Testosterone & cortin hormones (controversial) B-sitosterol Stigmasterol glycosides Kaempferol Quercetin Oxalic acid Fatty acids     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. 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