Sarsaparilla

(S) Dwipautra

(C) Tu fu ling

Part Used: rhizome

Energetics: bitter, sweet/cooling (slightly)/sweet PV-; does not increase K

Tissues: plasma, blood, marrow and nerve, reproductive

Systems: circulatory, urinary, reproductive, nervous

Actions: alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, antisyphilitic, antirheumatic

Indications: venereal diseases, herpes, skin diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, epilepsy, insanity, chronic nervous diseases, abdominal distention, intestinal gas, debility, impotence, turbid urine

Preparation: decoction, powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste, milk decoction

SARSAPARILLA purifies the urino-genital tract, dispelling all infection and inflammation. While purifying the blood, it also improves Agni and helps dispel accumulated Vata from the intestines. Its purifying action extends to the nervous system and it helps cleanse the mind of negative emotions; therefore, it is useful in many nervous disorders. Sarsaparilla's diaphoretic and blood-cleansing action is useful for rheumatic inflammation.

For herpes and venereal complaints, it can be combined with gentian. It stimulates the production of reproductive hormones and has tonic action on the sexual organs. As a blood-purifier it works well with burdock root. Externally, it can be used as a wash for genital sores or herpes, or as a hot fomentation for painful, arthritic joints.