Sarsaparilla Root

 

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Botanical Name: Smilax ornata

Common name: Sarsaparilla Root

Family: Smilacacea

Parts Used: Rhizome

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Active Constituents:

• Steroidal saponins (sarsaponin, smilasaponin) may bind bacterial endotoxins
• Phytosterols
• Glycosides
• Resin
• Trace minerals (K)

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Qualities: Sweet, bland and neutral , bitter, moist

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Actions:

• Alterative / Depurative
• Anti-rheumatic
• Antiinflammatory
• Diuretic (saponins)
• Tonic
• Liver Tonic
• Hormone balancing? (theories – block androgen receptor sites?, effect hormone metabolism? or block enzymes)

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 Indications:

• Chronic inflammatory skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis
• Hormonal skin conditions e.g. acne or conditions assoc. with androgen e.g.hirsuitism, PCO
• Teen Acne & Adult acne
• Menopause
• Gout, arthritis etc
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Traditionally used for virility in men and menopausal symptoms
• Tonic for liver
• Reproductive issues — stem from SHOCK (Hall)
• Specific: Psoriasis
• Chronic Skin Disease

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Contraindications: None Known

Cautions:

• Ingestion of large dosages of steroidal saponins may cause GIT irritation or diuresis
• Not on open skin (haemolytic – due to saponins)

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Dosage:

Liquid extract

• 3 – 6ml of 1:2 liquid extract / day
• 20 – 40ml of 1:2 liquid extract / week Dried weight equivalent

• 3-12g/day by decoction

Cordial — blood cooling

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Combination:

• Arctium lappa  or Galium aparine
• Pulsatilla (Hall)
• Fertility – Phytolacca & Raspberry (Hall)

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References & Links to Articles:

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