Smilax can boost your athletic performance
Sarsaparilla (Smilax)
Updated Feb. 09th, 2026 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Sarsaparilla?
- Top Health Benefits of Sarsaparilla
- Sarsaparilla Supplement Varieties
- Cautions & Important Information
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (2)
What is Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla is a climbing vine native to Central and South America, traditionally valued for its aromatic root and long history of use in herbal medicine. The route contains naturally occurring plant compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and phytosterols, which contribute to its wellness-supporting properties. Historically used to support skin health, joint discomfort, and detoxification, Smilax is now commonly found in teas, tinctures and supplements.
Top Health Benefits of Sarsaparilla
Smilax is used in the beverage industry as a flavouring agent in soft drinks like root beer. In terms of health, this herb removes toxins from the body by cleaning the blood, thus it is used for skin conditions, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, which are considered to result from toxin accumulation.
Sarsaparilla can also be used to cleanse toxins from the urinary tract by causing fluids to flush through the kidneys. This release of fluids is also helpful to reduce fluid retention and inflammation. This herb is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including:
- Hives
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Arthritis
- Swelling
- Blood Impurity Disorders
Sarsaparilla Supplement Varieties
Sarsaparilla can be used as encapsulated root, dried root or tincture. Smilax can be used topically to treat skin conditions, just be sure to dilute any alcohol-based formulas to avoid skin irritation. It is found as a component of many cleansing formulas. It has traditionally been combined with yellow dock for the treatment of chronic skin conditions.
Cautions & Important Information
Sarsaparilla, in large doses, may cause stomach irritation. Do not take prescription medication at the same time of the day as sarsaparilla because the medication may not be absorbed. Smilax should be used cautiously by individuals with kidney disease because it alters kidney function and increases fluid loss.
Tumeric and maca are well known superroots and it sounds like Sasparilla is pretty cool as well. It is cool that this herb can be used for treating conditions such as achne and eczema due to its ability to detox the body through removing blood toxins-I didn't know that these health conditions were links to accumulation of toxins in the blood! Also, it is cool that sarsaparilla has an even more encompasing detox role, with the herb also being used to cleanse toxins from the urinary tract by causing fluids to flush through the kidneys.
I struggle with both fluid retention and inflammation and knowing that sasparilla can flush out excess fluids is great-I'll look into it!
Hello Rachel,
Indeed, this are two very well-known super roots with amazing health benefits. This super root also has its advantages and we're thrilled you enjoyed learning about it through our article. Its detoxing benefits are great, you can learn more about powerful detoxification supplements here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/detoxification/
Have a healthy day.