Sarsaparilla 

 Family Name : ASCLEPIADACEAE 

Botanical Name : HEMIDESMUS INDICUS 

Common Name : SARASAPARILLA, INDIAN SARASAPARILLA, ANANTMOOL 

Part Used : ROOT 
Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii and other closely related species of Smilax) is a vine that bears roots with many useful properties. These vines have long prickly stems and shiny leaves, and numerous reddish-brown roots up to 3 m long. Several species of Smilax are used, but the Jamaican S. regelii (syn. S. officinalis) is the species preferred for commercial use. Sarsaparilla is also grown in Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. It is also grown in parts of South India, the Tamil name of it being Nannaari. The main uses include the flavouring of beverages, and homeopathic medicine. 

Before treatment, the roots are bitter, sticky, and have no odor. Then they are dried and boiled in order to produce the extract. For use in beverages, oil of wintergreen or other flavours may be added in order to mask the natural bitterness of the root. Root beer made from sarsaparilla roots is generally more "birchy" than the more popular, commercial brands 

Habitat : Found In Central India. 

Uses : It is Tonic, Diuretic, Demulcent, Disphoretic and Blood purifier. Employed in Nutritional disorders, syphilis, chronic rheumatism, gravel and other urinary diseases and skin afections. It is also employed as a vehicle for Pottasium Iodine
.