Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Sarsaparilla
For an herb once so popular, it’s amazing how little research has been done on sarsaparilla. Most studies date from the 1930s to early 1950s, and few have been replicated. Nonetheless, scientists have turned up some benefits. Sarsaparilla contains chemicals (saponins) with diuretic action, which possibly account for its long association with the genitals.
Syphilis - Western investigators insist sarsaparilla is useless against syphilis. But unconfirmed reports from China suggest it may help. Perhaps the Chinese-and 500 years of herbalism-are completely wrong. Or perhaps 19th-century physicians were right when they observed that sarsaparilla takes a long time to show benefit. The question deserves investigation because syphilis has been on the upswing in the United States in recent years.
High Blood Pressure - Physicians often prescribe diuretics for high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious condition requiring professional care. If you’d like to include sarsaparilla in your overall treatment plan, do so only with the approval and supervision of your physician.
Diuretics deplete the body of potassium, an essential nutrient. If you use sarsaparilla frequently, be sure to eat foods high in potassium, such as bananas and fresh vegetables.
Congestive Heart Failure - Physicians often prescribe diuretics to combat the fluid accumulation involved in this condition. Heart failure demands professional care. If you’d like to include sarsaparitla in your overall treatment plan, discuss it with your physician.
Women’s Health - Pregnant and nursing women should not use diuretics. But as a diuretic, sarsaparilla might provide some relief for women bothered by premenstrual bloating (fluid retention).
Intriguing Possibilities - Preliminary studies from around the world have reported sarsaparilla helps treat psoriasis and leprosy.
Myth - Saponins bear some chemical resemblance to the male sex hormones testosterone and anabolic steroids Some writers have claimed sarsaparilla contains testosterone. It does not.
Sarsaparilla has also enjoyed some popularity among body builders who believe it contains anabolic steroids, which they take against medical advice to increase their muscle mass. Sarsaparilla contains no anabolic steroids.
Rx for Sarsaparilla
For a diuretic decoction, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered root per cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. Sarsaparilla tastes initially sweetish, then unpleasant.
In a tincture, take ¼ to ½ teaspoon up to three times a day.
Sarsaparilla should not be given to children under age 2.
For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary