Botanical: Aralia nudicaulis (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Araliaceae

The American Botanical Council provided a summary article confirming the effective use of Sarsaparilla.  These uses have been “reported to facilitate the absorption by the body of other drugs”; and “reported to have hepatoprotective and diuretic activity. Sarsaparilla is “used in certain tonics” and is “used generally as a tonic.” 

Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, reports that Sarsaparilla was independently discovered to be “a good candidate for a whole body tonic.” He further points out that “Sarsaparilla root actually attacks microbial substances in the blood stream, neutralizing them”.  “The plant is also a strong diuretic, stimulating the excretion of wastes such as uric acid and excess chloride.”  It “is also a diaphoretic - - by promoting sweating, still more toxins are removed from the lymph and circulatory systems.”

Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book, Herbal Tonic Therapies, confirms the fact that Sarsaparilla “has enjoyed a long reputation as a blood purifier and tonic and is an herb that facilitates the removal of wastes from the blood, either by promoting better circulation, or improving liver and kidney action.” 

Feather Jones, a clinical herbalist, in her book, Medicinal Health Handbook reinforces the impact of Sarsaparilla on the blood system:  “For anemia and low hemocrit, this plant is called a ‘coadaptogen’ and will basically return an overactive or sluggish system to normalcy. It acts to repair liver and kidney deficiency; has mild laxative effects and is a growth stimulant; works well with Licorice.

Elements of Health confirms it is “used for the  liver, stress and other disorders caused by blood impurities”.

   A prominent herbalist, David Litell, describes Sarsaparilla root as “a blood cleanser and liver tonic.”