Raiz de Zarzaparrilla (Smilax aspera) 

Sarsaparilla is a shrub found in Mediterranean forests whose properties have made it used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Mainly, this plant stands out for its powerful diuretic effects and its digestive and purifying properties.

Benefits of Zarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla root, also called Moorish bramble, is increasingly consumed due to its diuretic and purifying properties of the body. You can buy it at herbalists or health food stores, commonly in powder form, although it can also be found in the form of a fluid extract.

The main property of this plant is purifying, which is why it is known as "mermasangre", but it has many beneficial properties in the body that we show you below:

Detoxifying Properties

The main action of sarsaparilla is diuretics and detoxification. Its high content of minerals, calcium, potassium, and magnesium helps eliminate toxins and excess accumulated liquid and promotes sweating and urination. In addition, it has been considered that it also has laxative and expectorant properties, which is why it was used in the past for liver and kidney diseases.

For the Skin

Its main components serve as a tonic and help treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or itching. This is also due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

For Rheumatism

As we have said, this plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which also help treat problems such as rheumatism or arthritis. It improves the symptoms of these diseases by helping to eliminate serious accumulations in the joints. This means a decrease in pain in cases of arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout.

Hormonal action

One of the perhaps lesser-known properties of sarsaparilla root extract is that it can stimulate the production of hormones in your body, increasing testosterone and progesterone levels. This can help in menopause, in the case of women, or stimulate sexual desire in men. The natives of Central and South America used this plant against sexual impotence in men and women.

To Kill Bacteria

In the past, sarsaparilla was used to eliminate bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea, although it can also be effective in urinary tract infections.

Weightloss

As we have said before, the main action of this medicinal plant is a diuretic. Its action of releasing toxins from the body and causing increased urination and sweating can cause weight loss and help in fluid retention. However, you have to be careful with this and not use it on thin people.

Recommended Dosage and Side Effects of Sarsaparilla

Oddly enough, a poor intake of medicinal plants can also cause problems. This happens with sarsaparilla. We have talked, until now, about the benefits and properties of its root, but we are going to see what happens if you do not take it properly.

When you decide to take sarsaparilla, you have to keep the quantities in mind at all times and not exceed them. The recommended dose to take sarsaparilla will depend on the use that is given to it and for this it varies from 0.3 gm to 2 gm daily in powder form.

An abundant intake of this plant can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. In addition, it can cause severe gastric irritation, severe liver problems, or even dehydration. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume this plant if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

Due to its diuretic properties, it can alter blood pressure, so you should consult your doctor about the use of this plant if you suffer from cardiovascular problems.

In addition, as we have seen before, it is not convenient to use it in very thin people due to its weight loss action.

Its use with other medications can disrupt the absorption of these, so if you are thinking of taking sarsaparilla and taking medication, consult your doctor first. It is also not recommended in case of pregnancy or lactation.

Sarsaparilla Infusion

The most common way to take sarsaparilla is by infusion. For this, we leave you a recipe so you can prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sarsaparilla
• 1 liter of water