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SARSAPARILLA SMILAX Both leaves and berries, being drunk before or after taking any deadly poison, are an excellent antidote. A perennial climber with prickly stems, large leaves, yellowish flowers and red or black berries. Where to find it: There are several varieties, but the ones most used grow in the West Indies, America and India. Flowering time: Late spring to late summer. Astrology: Plant of Mars. Medicinal virtues: If the juice of the berries be given to a new-born child, it shall never be hurt by poison. It is good against all venomous things. Twelve or sixteen berries, beaten to a powder, and given in wine, procure urine when it is stopped. The distilled water when drank has the same effect; and if the eyes be washed with it, they are thoroughly healed. Sarsaparilla promotes sweating and is useful for catarrh. It expels wind from the stomach. It helps aches in the sinews or joints, running sores in the legs, phlegmatic swellings, tetters or ringworm, and spots on the skin. It has been found of service in venereal cases. Infants infected by their nurses may he cured, even though they are covered with pustules and ulcers, by administering the powdered root with their food. Modern uses: Sarsaparilla is used as a blood purifier and tonic, particularly in cases of rheumatism, gout and chronic skin disease. The variety from India has been used successfully against syphilis. The powdered root is taken in doses of 20 grains (1.3 g) or by infusion - 2 OZ (56 g) to 1 pt (568 ml) of boiling water - the whole amount being taken in one day. The root of Smilax officinalis from tropical America contains the hormones testosterone, progesterone and cortin. |