Good Ways to Use Sarsaparilla Root

Sarsaparilla is a prickly vine shrub that is native to Central and South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean and Mexico. The plant blooms small flowers and black and blue or red berries. The root of the vine is generally 6 to 8 feet long and thick and has been used for overall health purposes since the 1500s when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Mexico to find the natives there using the root in drinks as a health tonic. Today, sarsaparilla root is used in other ways as well.

As Medicine

• Sarsaparilla root has medicinal qualities, such as its usage as an anti-inflammatory. You can use it to help ease the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. It has been used as a diuretic in the treatment of gout and works to stimulate the kidneys in the treatment of urinary-tract infections. The root has been used for many years in the treatment of syphilis.

In Food

• Sarsaparilla root contains iron and vitamin B and is a good source of potassium. You can use ground sarsaparilla root to season meats and vegetables, but use it sparingly or mix it with another spice because the natural root can have a bitter taste.

As a Beverage

• The root of sarsaparilla was used long ago to flavor water mixed with sugar. Sarsaparilla root is generally not used today as a flavor ingredient in root beer, but as a natural foaming agent. When it is used to flavor a beverage, it is combined with other flavors such as vanilla and mint. You can find sarsaparilla drinks in some health-food stores or small, country grocery stores.