Sarsaparilla 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Sarsaparilla – 100 g ($18.99), 50 g ($11.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:
Since the 1500s, sarsaparilla has been used throughout the world to treat syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. It has a reputation as a blood purifier and general tonic. Sarsaparilla is a sexual stimulant and wound healer. It is also used as a diuretic.

The natural steroidal glycosides found in sarsaparilla have made the herb popular with bodybuilders as an alternative to anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass. Sarsaparilla also promotes good circulation, balances the glandular system, and stimulates the production of natural hormones. It has also been used for skin diseases, psoriasis, and rheumatic complaints. Homeopathic remedies are available for itching, skin rashes, rheumatism, and inflammation of the urinary organs. It has not been approved by the German Commission E because there is a lack of clinical efficacy documented. In addition, there are significant risks associated with its use, such as gastric irritation and temporary kidney impairment. The claims for rheumatism and gout for sarsaparilla have not been substantiated. However, other experts in herbal medicine disagree and believe that sarsaparilla is safe and does not cause gastric irritation.

Eczema and psoriasis. Conventional medicine has recognized sarsaparilla’s worth in treating skin conditions since the 1940s, when The New England Journal of Medicine published an article praising the usefulness of sarsaparilla in treating psoriasis. Although no research has been done to ascertain exactly how the herb works, there are numerous reports of its usefulness in treating eczema, psoriasis, and leprosy. Well-done clinical studies are lacking in these areas, however, and the German Commission E specifically states not to use sarsaparilla for psoriasis due to its side effects.

Urinary problems. Historically, sarsaparilla has been used for kidney problems. There is some evidence that it may work as a diuretic, reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and improve kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. In a study of rats with kidney disease as a result of diabetes, those that received a substance from sarsaparilla called astilbin had improved urine flow.

Recommended Use
Large doses of the saponins in sarsaparilla may cause gastrointestinal irritation. If this occurs, you should reduce the dosage or stop taking it.

The German Commission E advises that prescription drugs taken simultaneously with sarsaparilla may be absorbed or excreted more rapidly than when they are taken by themselves. For example, sarsaparilla increases the rate at which the body absorbs digitalis compounds such as digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) and increases the rate at which the body excretes tranquilizers such as the benzodiazepines, a class of medications that includes chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). In general, people who take any prescription drugs regularly should avoid sarsaparilla. Because sarsaparilla may stimulate the production of testosterone, men with prostate disorders should avoid it as well. This herb should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus
English: Indian sarsaparilla
Ayurvedic: Shveta sariva, Gopasuta, Ananta
Also, known as: Shveta saarivaa, Sariva, Vaga, Anantamul, Upalsari, Namada veru, Anant mool, Nannari, Dralashvan lai anantmamool, Ushbah, Ven nannar, Sugandhi pala, Gopi, Kapuuri, Nannaari, Suganthipala, Gopaa, Gopasutaa, Sphotaa, Kabri, Naruneendi, Anantamula, Utipalsaarivaa, Dugdhgarbhaa, Gopavalli, Sphotaa, Nannar, Vaga sariva,
Habitat: Throughout India, Common in Bengal.
Origin: India
Harvested: Wild / Cultivated
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
The root of a Hemidesmus indicus aprostrate or semi-erect shrub found throughout India from upper Gangetic plains eastwards to Assam and southern India up to an elevation of 600 meters. Roots occur in pieces, about 30 cm long and 3-8 mm in diameter, cylindrical, thick, hard, somewhat tortuous, sparely branched, provided with few thick rootlets and secondary roots.
Hemidesmus indicus does not contain the same saponins or other principal constituents that are found in Sarsaparilla. External appearance dark brown, sometimes with violet grey ting, central yellow, woody, surrounded by a mealy white cortical layer.

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: ½ -2 tsp of sarsaparilla (1-4 g)/use, up to 2 times/day. This can be added to food, drink or to make tea.