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
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