Sarsaparilla (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
(Smilax ornata)
Description
A large perennial vine with a long, tuberous rootstock and prickly stems native to Mexico and Central America.
Properties and Uses
Can act as an anti-inflammatory and cleansing agent thus helping to relieve skin diseases such as eczema, itching and psoriasis. Has been used relieve menopausal and menstrual problems. Some belive that the plant can help to treat impotence as it contains chemicals which aid in testosterone activity.
History
Aztecs used sarsaparilla to treat skin ailments and syphilis. It was exported to Europe from Mexico in the early 1500's and was then used as a treatment for rheumatism. It was also promoted as a blood purifier and diuretic.
Other areas » Product Info
- Alder (Norfolk Punch)
- Alehoof (Norfolk Punch)
- Angelica (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Bay (Norfolk Punch)
- Blackcurrant (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Caraway (Norfolk Punch)
- Chamomile (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss, Hearts Delight)
- Chaste Tree (Fructus Benedictus)
- Cinnamon (Norfolk Punch)
- Clove (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss)
- Cranberry (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Daisy (Norfolk Punch)
- Dandelion (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Dock/Burdock (Norfolk Punch)
- Dong Quai (Fructus Benedictus)
- Elderberry (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Elderflower (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Bendictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Fennel (Norfolk Punch)
- Feverfew (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Ginger (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Gingko Biloba (Fructus Benedictus)
- Grapeskin (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Hawthorn (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Hops (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Lemon Balm (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Lime Flower (Norfolk Punch)
- Lime Leaf (Norfolk Punch)
- Liquorice (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Meadowsweet (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Nettle (Fructus Benedictus)
- Nutmeg (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss)
- Passion Flower (Fructus Benedictus)
- Peppermint (Norfolk Punch)
- Poppy (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Raspberry Leaf (Fructus Benedictus)
- Rosemary (Norfolk Punch)
- Rowanberry (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Samphire (Norfolk Punch)
- Siberian Ginseng (Fructus Benedictus)
- Thyme (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss, Hearts Delight)
- Vervain (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus,)
- Wild Yam (Fructus Benedictus)