Family: Smilacaceae

Genus: Smilax

Species: officinalis, aristolochiaefolia, glabra, febrifuga, ornata, regelii, japicanga

Common names: Sarsaparilla, salsaparrilha, khao yen, saparna, smilace, smilax, zarzaparilla

General Description: Sarsaparilla is a brambled, woody trailing vine that grows up to 50 m long. It often climbs high in the rainforest canopy. Birds feast on its small flowers and black, blue, or red berry-like fruits. The vines have long prickly stems and shiny leaves; they may be cultivated to form impenetrable thickets.

Location: Smilax, a member of the lily family, is native to tropical and temperate parts of the world and comprises about 350 species worldwide. It is native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies. Many species of Smilax around the world share the name sarsaparilla; these are very similar in appearance, uses, and even chemical structure.

Uses: The primary uses of sarsaparilla include the flavoring of beverages and homeopathic medicine. Sarsaparilla is a name you'll probably recognize as it was once fermented to make root beer. Sarsaparilla remains the herbal ingredient in root beer today.

It has been difficult and confusing to determine with accuracy the medicinal properties of sarsaparilla since studies have been done with different species of sarsaparilla, including Smilax china, S. glabra,and S. ornata. Roots are used for medicinal purposes. They are reddish-brown, tuberous and may grow six to eight feet long. Sarsaparilla root was used as a general tonic by indigenous tribes in South America, where European traders found it and introduced it into their culture in the 1400s. This root has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America for sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a general tonic.
Sarsaparilla is an anti-inflammatory herbal remedy that is believed to ease rheumatism, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders. Sarsaparilla roots are odorless and fairly tasteless, and are generally considered safe if taken as prescribed. Sarsaparilla is however taken in conjunction and combination with various other herbs, and seldom alone.
It is now available in a variety of tablets, capsules and tincture products in many modern natural and health food stores.