sarsaparilla

Lily family, stinging wind family

Common name: Bindweed

Latin: Smillax regellii

Plant description

The home of the plant are the Central American countries Honduras, San Salvador and Guatemala. Also as Honduras sarsaparilla in trade. A tall climbing shrub with a sturdy rhizome and many roots extending from it. The stems are studded with spines, the leaves are up to 30 cm long, heart-shaped and stalked. The flowers are white and arranged in stalked umbels. It forms spherical, red berries.

Plant parts used medicinally: The roots. They are dug and the gnarled rhizome is removed. You cut them into long pieces and air dry them. The 3 to 5 cm thick roots are pliable after drying.

Ingredients: Saponins, glycosides, sitosterol

Medicinal effect and application

Sarsaparilla used to be an important remedy against that syphilis. Today the dried root is sometimes part of Blood purification teas. Also for Psoriasis teas Sarsaparilla root is used but its effect is assessed very differently.

However, medical measures can be taken against the psoriasis accompany very well with a tea or a tea mixture.

The tea is prepared like this: You let it 2 teaspoons Soak the dried roots in ¼ l of cold water for 10 to 12 hours. Strain and warm to drinking temperature. 3 cups Drink throughout the day.

Combination with other medicinal plants

Accompanying one Therapy against psoriasis the following tea mixture can be prepared:

25.0 g sarsaparilla root / 10.0 g each Strawberry- and Blackberry leaves / 5.0 g Buckthorn bark.

Pour ¼ l of lukewarm water over 2 teaspoons of this mixture and let it stand for 12 hours, then strain. Warmed to drinking temperature, you drink 2 to 3 cups a day, preferably unsweetened.

Use in homeopathy

The middle Sarsaparilla is prepared from the dried root. Again, it is used against Cradle cap, psoriasis and Eczema. The rashes itch severely, form pustules and wheals.

Also with purulent, oozing and crusty blisters, especially on the head and fingers. But also a means against Inflammation of the lower urinary tract with urge to urinate and cramps, often purulent and slimy admixtures in the urine.

At Muscle and joint rheumatism Sarsaparilla can help when the pain is wandering and tearing and arms and legs appear shaky and paralyzed. The most common potencies are D1 to D6.

Side effects can, through the contained saponins arise as soon as overdosed. It can then irritate the digestive organs.