Botanical Name: Smilax aristolochiifolia

Common Name:

English: Mexican sarsaparilla
Also, known as: Smilax ornata Hook, Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla, Gray Sarsaparilla, Honduras Sarsaparilla, Jamaican Sarsaparilla, Liseron Épineux, Liseron Piquant, Mexican Sarsaparilla, Salsaparilha, Salsepareille, Salsepareille d'Europe, Salsepareille du Honduras, Salsepareille du Mexique, Sarsa, Sarsaparillae Radix, Sarsaparillewurzel, Smilax, Smilax Aristolochaefolia, Smilax Aristolochiaefolii, Smilax aristolochiifolia, Smilax china, Smilax febrifuga, Smilax medica, Smilax officinalis, Smilax ornate, Smilax regelii, Zarzaparrilla

Habitat: South America

Origin: Mexico

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Root

General Information:

As the name suggests, Mexican Sarsaparilla is found in Southern Mexico, but it is also distributed throughout South America, particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize. While the root is sometimes used in tea blends, it is traditionally used to produce liquid extracts for use in flavoring beverages, baked goods and confections. Don’t confuse sarsaparilla with Indian or false sarsaparilla. In manufacturing, sarsaparilla is used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. In the American history sarsaparilla was the most popular drink of the cowboys.

How to use:

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sarsaparilla Root Cut - Mexican