Sarsaparilla Herb Might Be the Organic Key to Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms

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Sarsaparilla gained its peak of fame due to a popular soft drink in Western culture that contains its active ingredient. The drink had a similar taste to root beer. It came to the West during the 19th century but didn’t have sarsaparilla roots but a flavoring mixture of birch oil and sassafras.

Sarsaparilla drink during that age became a root of mockery within manly cowboys when ordered at a saloon, as they classified it as a “sissy drink”. Sarsaparilla drink was a well-known beverage in the old West ordered by cowboys before visiting brothels as it was said could help avoid infections like syphilis and gonorrhea.

Today, loads of studies prove the medicinal benefits of the sarsaparilla plant to several diseases. Most researches indicate its effect as a libido booster and could also aid in menopausal symptoms.

What is Sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla is a long perennial vine with prickly stems and long, creeping roots. It is native in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Its scientific name is Smilax ornate and is also known as Honduran sarsaparilla, Jamaican sarsaparilla and “Khao yen” in ancient China.

Its name came from the Spanish word zarzaparrilla, which means zarza as “bramble” and parrilla, meaning “little grapevine”. Roots of Sarsaparilla are used in the treatment of diseases.

How Sarsaparilla Works?

Sarsaparilla contains different active ingredients. One active ingredient is the saponins, specifically sarsapogenin saponins. This compound alters steroids in the lab and is not produced by the human body. Saponins bind to endotoxin (a compound that could kill harmful bacteria) in the digestive tract. This is a good treatment for some ailments in the joints, liver and reproductive system. In fact, from 1820 to 1910, sarsaparilla was registered in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for syphilis.

Aside from saponins, sarsaparilla is rich in phytoestrogens. These are plant-based estrogens that can copy your endogenous estrogens and function the way they do. Experts say phytoestrogens are safe to use for the body because they are less potent and they do not alter the functions of your naturally-produced estrogens. In addition, phytoestrogens are easy to flush out in your body.

Sarsaparilla also balances glandular function by producing and stabilizing the hormone production of testosterone and progesterone, that leads to increase in sexual drive.

Sarsaparilla in Menopause

Aside from helping boost libido, this plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that could help menopausal women ease  joint problems, bloating, urinary problems, skin problems and fatigue.

Other Uses of Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla, as mentioned, has antibacterial properties that could also cure psoriasis, eczema, acne and syphilis. In Chinese medicine and South American culture, the anti-inflammatory property of the plant is used to treat leprosy. While cultures in Jamaica believed that sarsaparilla could help in arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

The herb also has antioxidant properties and could cleanse the blood and organs by flushing out toxins through perspiration and urination. It also nourishes the organs like the liver and colon and is believed that could enhance vision.

Side Effects of Sarsaparilla

Some people might encounter allergic reactions with sarsaparilla that could result in skin rash or hives. Inhalation of its roots may also trigger asthma attacks. So if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or inflammation of the tongue, consult professional help immediately.

Saponins found in this plant could also irritate the gastrointestinal lining, which could result in stomach upsets. However, this effect may result after consuming large amounts of sarsaparilla.

The herb also has diosgenin that produces similar effects with estrogen, people taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies, as well as pregnant women, should not use sarsaparilla-containing products.

Taking of the herb and its supplement is also not advised for people with kidney problems as it has diuretic effects that irritate the kidney.

Buying Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla products are available in health stores as capsule, root, tincture or supplements. Some natural hormone balancing products and skincare products also contain sarsaparilla. However, take extra care when buying sarsaparilla. Make sure the labels indicate potency, strength, instructions, validity date, warnings and precaution. It should have the name of a reliable manufacturer.

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Gita is the founder of My Menopause Journey. Since 2014, she has been supporting midlife women by sharing hard-earned learnings from her own experience. To advance her knowledge, Gita puts a lot of her time and effort into understanding the broad spectrum of women’s health. She immerses in extensive research about the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Gita believes in the life-changing power of healthy, holistic living — this is where she anchors her message to all women. Learn more about her marvelous mission in About us - My Menopause Journey.