What is sarsaparilla herb good for?
For centuries, indigenous people around the world used the root of the sarsaparilla plant for treating joint problems like arthritis, and for healing skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. The root was also thought to cure Hansen’s disease (leprosy) due to its “blood-purifying” properties.
Are sassafras and sarsaparilla the same thing?
Sarsaparilla was made from the Sarsaparilla vine, while Root Beer, roots of the sassafras tree. These days, Root Beer recipes do not include sassafras as the plant has been found to cause serious health issues. The vine was banned by the American Food and Drug Administration for commercial food production in 1960.
Is sarsaparilla a carcinogen?
Well, sassafras and sarsaparilla both contain safrole, a compound recently banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effects.
Is sarsaparilla good for immune system?
Sarsaparilla, also known as Smilax Glabra Rhizome (SGR), was shown to modulate immunity, protect against liver injury, lower blood glucose and suppress cancer.
Can you still buy sassafras tea?
Safrole-containing sassafras root bark is still available, but for legal purposes, it can only be sold as a topical skin wash or potpourri. Sassafras tea is a beverage that’s made by boiling the root bark of the sassafras tree.
Why is sassafras banned by the FDA?
Safrole and oil of sassafras has been banned as a food additive by the FDA due to carcinogenic concerns, and should not be used to treat medical conditions. Sassafras is a perennial tree native to Eastern United States.
Why is sassafras tea illegal?
Well, sassafras and sarsaparilla both contain safrole, a compound recently banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effects. Safrole was found to contribute to liver cancer in rats when given in high doses, and thus it and sassafras or sarsaparilla-containing products were banned.
What is sarsaparilla used for?
Sarsaparilla was often employed for its beneficial properties by indigenous peoples of the area. Our Jamaican sarsaparilla root can be infused, made into syrup, or employed as a tincture.
What is sarsaparilla soda?
For example, sarsaparilla is actually the name for a type of soft drink (similar to root beer) that’s flavored with the root of the plant. Unfortunately, sarsaparilla soda doesn’t have the same benefits as teas, supplements or tinctures made with this plant.
Are sarsaparilla berries edible?
Wild sarsaparilla vines can grow very long (sometimes up to eight feet), have starchy, edible roots, and produce small berries that are edible for both humans and animals, especially birds. Although the roots are much more often used to make remedies today than the berries are, the mild-tasting berries and leaves can also be consumed.
What is sarsaparilla and what does it taste like?
When the Spanish conquistadores arrived, they found that indigenous tribes used beverages made with sarsaparilla as a general health tonic. The name itself is from the Spanish sarza, meaning brambles, and parilla, meaning vine.