Smilax officinalisis

Date:   9/29/2006 2:25:44 PM ( 18 y ago)

Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
Species: officinalis, aristolochiaefolia, glabra, febrifuga, ornata, regelii, japicanga
Synonyms: Smilax medica
Common Names: Sarsaparilla, salsaparrilha, khao yen, saparna, smilace, smilax, zarzaparilla, jupicanga
Part Used: Root


HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions Other Actions Standard Dosage
detoxifies organs
relieves pain
Root
cleanses blood
kills fungi
Decoction: 1/2 to 1 cup 2-3
aids absorption
reduces inflammation
times daily
kills bacteria
kills germs
Capsules: 1-2 g twice daily
stimulates digestion
reduces fever
Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily
increases urination
immunomodulator

protects liver
fights free radicals

promotes perspiration
relieves rheumatism

Smilax officinalisis a brambled, woody vine that grows up to 50 m long, with paired tendrils for climbing (often high into the rainforest canopy). It produces small flowers and black, blue, or red berry-like fruits which are eaten greedily by birds. 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. The name sarsaparilla or zarzaparilla comes from the Spanish word zarza (bramble or bush), parra (vine), and illa (small)—a small, brambled vine.

The stems of many Smilax species are covered with prickles and, sometimes, these vines are cultivated to form impenetrable thickets (which are called catbriers or greenbriers). The root, used for medicinal purposes, is long and tuberous—spreading 6–8 feet—and is odorless and fairly tasteless. Many species of Smilax around the world share the name sarsaparilla; these are very similar in appearance, uses, and even chemical structure. These include S. officinalis, S. japicanga, and S. febrifuga from South America (Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia); S. regelii, S. aristolochiaefolia, and S. ornata from Mexico and Latin America; and S. glabra from China. Sarsaparilla vine should not be confused with the large sasparilla and sassafras trees (the root and bark of which were once used to flavor root beer). Sarsaparilla has been used as an ingredient in root beer and other beverages for its foaming properties—not for its flavoring properties.



 

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