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Quay-quill Sarsaparilla | | Name : | Quay-quill Sarsaparilla | | Synonyms : | Dwipautra(Sanskrit name)
Hondurassarsaparilla
Jamaicasarsaparilla
Quay-quillsarsaparilla
Redsarsaparilla
Spanishsarsaparilla
Tu-fu-ling(Chinese name)
| | Parts Used : | Root, rhizome | | Habitat : | Found in woodlands in southern Canada from Newfoundland to BritishColumbia and south, east of the Rocky Mountains to Georgia and Colorado,in mountains in southern parts of its range. | | Description : | A tropical American perennial plant; its long, creeping, tuberousrootstock (rhizome) produces a vine which trails on the ground andclimbs by means of tendrils growing in pairs from the petioles ofthe alternate, orbicular to ovate, evergreen leaves. The small greenishwhite flowers grow in axillary umbels; on separate shorter stalks,followed by purple-black berries.
Other varieties: American sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulisL.), also called Red Sarsaparilla, was once used in patent medicinesin early colonies; Hairy sarsaparilla (Aralia hispida) of the Ginsengfamily; Sawbrier (Smilax glauca L.), also called wild sarsaparilla,of the Lily family, containing testosterone (male hormone) in theroots; Yellow sarsaparilla (Menispermum canadense L.) is a memberof the moonseed family | | Constituents : | Copper, fat, glycosides, iron, manganese, traces of essential oil,parillin, sitosterol stigmasterin, resin, saponins, sarsaponin, sodium,sugar, sulfur, vitamin A and D, and zinc.
Carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, alterative, demulcent,antisyphilitic, stimulant, antiscorbutic. antispasmodic, antirheumatic | | Uses : | Sarsaparilla root is said to be good for gout,rheumatism, arthritis,colds, fevers,and catarrhal problems, as well as for relieving flatulence. A teamade from it has also been used externally for skin problems, scrofula,ringworm, and tetters. Sarsaparilla would be classed generally asa 'blood purifier'. Itwas once commonly taken as a spring tonic. Externally, as a wash itcan be used to bathe ulcers,wounds, or the dried rhizomescan be made into a poultice for external use.
A sweet herb used for impotence,liver problems, venereal disease (i.e. syphilis)(not a sure remedy in adults or children), leukorrhea, herpes,fever blisters, other disorderscaused by blood impurities,epilepsy, and nervous system disorders. Reduces fever, psoriasis,and controls diabetes. Alsogood for stomach, impotence,cystitis, and kidneydisorders. Regulates hormones, increases energy, and protectsagainst harmful radiation. Will increase flow of urine. Good eyewash.Will promote profuse perspiration when taken hot.
An excellent antidote after taking a deadly poison. Drink copiouslyafter thoroughly cleaning out the stomach with an emetic. | | Dosage : | The roots with a deeper orange-red color are considered to be ofsuperior quality.
Infusion: steep 1 tsp. rootstock in 1 cup water. Take 1-2cups a day.
Tincture: a dose is from 30-60 drops. | | Safety : | Take only for 2 weeks out of every 3. | | Myths : | Carbonated beverage was made with sarsaparilla some years ago.
Native to Central America. At the turn of the century, sarsaparillawas a popular flavor in root beer and soft drinks, and once a popularingredient of many alcoholic beverages.
A simple recipe for root beer: brew a combination of sarsaparillaand sassafras in boiling water for 20 minutes (about 4 oz. to a gallon).Strain and add 1 lb. honey or sugar to sweeten, and brewer's yeast.Keep covered in a warm place at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit for anhour or two until small bubbles start to rise, showing that fermentationhas begun. Decant into bottles and tightly cap. Wait 24 hours beforedrinking.
There has been a mystique about this controversial herb since itwas brought to Europe from the New World by Spanish traders in the1600s. Originally, it was used to treat syphilis but it soon becameknown as a tonic for male sexual potency. Some herbalists say it containssteroid-like compounds, saponin glycosides, that contain male hormones.This has never been proven, but these substances appear to stimulatethe body's metabolic processes. Recently, it has been marketed asa 'male herb' that can increase muscle mass much the same way as steroidscan. But there is no evidence to back up this claim. Because of lackof research, it is very difficult to tell fact from fiction. All thatis known is that for centuries different cultures have used this herbin surprisingly similar ways.
Today, this herb is being used in the United States by bodybuilderswho state they have better workouts when they use Simlax (from thebotanical name Simlax officinalis). Sarsaparilla is used as a nonsteroidalmethod of increasing muscle mass and is also believed to be an aphrodisiac.But, chemical analysis has not found any evidence of testosteroneor other male hormones in the herb.
The Native American women took the root of sarsaparilla, cut it intolittle pieces, boiled it, and washed their hair in this water. Dramaticresults in treating cases of baldness have reported excellent resultsof hair growth when using this method. One of the most successfultreatments of 16 out of 21 cases was that of a 78-year-old man, completelybald for 30 years. | | Nutrient : | Iron, manganese, sodium, sugar, sulfur, vitamin A and D, and zinc | | Sold : | Capsules: take 1 for up to 3 times per day.
Extract: mix 10 to 30 drops in liquid daily. For fevers, usewarm liquid.
Sold under the name of Simlax |
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