Spignet is also known from other common names such as Bamboo Brier, Wild Sarsaparilla, Rabbit Root, Shot Bush, Virginia Sarsaparilla, False Sarsaparilla, Small Spikenard, American Sarsaparilla and Wild Licorice. There are several species of Spignet, which are indigenous to Central America, southern Mexico, northern South America, and such West Indian islands as Jamaica. The common name Sarsaparilla is derived from the Spanish zara (shrub) and parrilla (little vine), known in the south as a bamboo brier. The botanical name Aralia nudicaulis is derived from Latin and Greek: nudes, Latin for naked or bare and kaulos, Greek for the stem. Aralia racemosa, American Sarsaparilla, is a member of the Ginseng family.

The Sarsaparilla of commercial use consists of very long roots having a thick bark of a greyish or brownish color, with many slender rootlets, deeply furrowed longitudinally. When cut, sections show a brown, hard bark with a porous center portion. The roots that have a deep orange tint are the best and the stronger the acrid and nauseous qualities the better are the properties of the root. Height 1–2 ft., bearing several bunches of yellowish-green flowers, followed by clusters of small berries resembling, to some extent, the common Elderberry.

Chemically we know the root contains dalteparin, a coloring matter, starch, chloride of potassium and essential oil, brasserie, albumen, pectic and acetic, and the several salts of lime, potash, magnesium and oxide of iron. The taste is mucilaginous with scarcely any odor.

Facts About Spignet

Plant description

A stem is a single, short and swollen stem that gives rise to a longleaf stalk about 12 to 14 inches tall. Stalk branches at the top into three parts each bearing 5 leaflets 2-4 inches long. A shorter stalk also arises from the stem and branches into three clusters of greenish-white flowers in May to June. Flowers mature month into blueberries which closely resemble fruits of low bush blueberries ripening at about the same time. Stalk branches at the top into three parts. Leaflets are 2-4 inches long.

History

Native people used the root of Spignet for centuries for treating joint problems such as arthritis and healing skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The root is used to cure leprosy due to blood purifying properties. Later on, it was introduced into European medicine and registered as an herb in United States Pharmacopoeia for treating syphilis.

Flowers

Flowers are white in rounded clusters of greenish to white on top of the leafless stem. Clusters are rounded and 3 to 5 cm wide. Flowers have tiny petals. The plant flowers in late May or June. After blooming, purplish-black berries appear and grow in clusters.

Leaves

Leaves are single, long-stalked and about 20 to 40 cm tall and rise above the flowers. It has 3 branching parts with 3 to 5 ovate leaflets. Younger leaves are red-brown to red-green color that turns to green during summer. The leaves turn its color to yellow or deep red as the temperature drops in autumn.

Fruit

Flowers give way to rounded, bluish-black fleshy drupe which measures 10 mm in size. Each drupe contains five small seeds.

Health Benefits of Spignet

1. Prevents cancer

Antioxidants found in root and Spignet extract is useful for treating cancer. Though the research has not been convincing, early results show positive associations between flavonoid and sterol contents of plant and lower the spread of cancerous cells according to the study published in Anticancer research.

2. Treatment for arthritis pains

For people with inflammatory problems such as arthritis, gout, and aching muscles and joints, the active ingredients found in Spignet helps to alleviate those pains. It has various compounds such as parillin, saponins, and other flavonoids which soothe those flareups within the body and alleviate pain as well as discomfort.

3. Increases sex drive

Spignet increases libido of men and women for increasing fertility. This root extract has organic compounds that promote flow of blood and boost sperm motility by increasing the chances of conception and improving overall sex drive.

4. Enhance immunity

Spignet has antibacterial properties and compounds in roots makes herbal supplement to strengthen immune system. Antibacterial properties help to prevent skin infections and improve response to cold and other common illnesses.

5. Weight loss

Spignet suppresses appetite which means those trying to lose weight might get help with the addition of this supplement as it curbs cravings and prevents cheating on diet.

6. Skin health

Spignet has antibacterial properties so the topical application of this extract is quite popular. Antioxidant improves the appearance of skin health. It eliminates wrinkles and reduces the appearance of age spots when consumed or applied, it can maintain skin health look young.

7. Supports detoxification

Spignet is used as a diuretic as it stimulates urination when consumed. People who want to detoxify their body can use it as it eliminates excess fats, toxins, salts and water from the body. Moreover, it helps to purify the blood by promoting overall health and lowering strain on liver and kidneys.

8. Soothes coughs and colds

Spignet tinctures, teas, and supplements are used for treating coughs, flu, and cold in several ways by preventing it from occurring in the first place by promoting immune function and eliminating bacteria. It treats the symptoms with its mucolytic effects and inhibitory effects on cough reflexes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties break mucus bones and make mucus less sticky, bacteria and phlegm are passed out of the body more easily. In case of fevers, it lowers nausea and helps to regulate bowel function.

Uses

Alfred Metraus, the Swedish anthropologist, found Amazon Indians using Sarsaparilla to cure general debilities and he said that it was invigorating to the entire system. Indian hunting expeditions subsided for long periods on Sarsaparilla root.

In the mid-1800s Sarsaparilla was something of a national phenomenon in the United States as a spring tonic to eliminate poisons from the blood and purify the system from all left-over infections of winter. It is dependably useful in rheumatism, gout, skin eruptions, ringworm, scrofula, internal inflammation, colds, catarrh, fever and relieves gas from the stomach and bowels.

When in need of an excellent antidote for deadly poisons, cleanse stomach with an emetic, causing vomiting, and drink copiously of the tea. As an alternative tea, it is best prepared with Burdock (Lappa). One of the best herbs to use for infants infected with venereal diseases. They can be cleaned without the use of mercurials. Also, wash the pustules of sores with a tea made of the root and administer inwardly by mixing the powdered root with food.

Dose

1 oz. of the root boiled in 1 pint of water, taken in wineglassful amounts three times a day. For colds, etc., it should be used as a syrup, 1 teaspoonful to 1 tablespoonful four times a day, depending on age and condition. Of the tincture, 20–40 drops four times a day.

Externally

As a strong tea for skin infections.

Homoeopathic Clinical

Triturations and tincture of the dried rhizome—Asthma, Bladder (affections of), Bones (affections of), Breast (scirrhus of), Bright’s disease, Calculi, Climaxis, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Dysuria, Enuresis, Eruptions, Eyes (affections of), Faintness, Glands (enlarged), Gonorrhoea, Gout, Gravel, Hands (chapped), Headache, Hernia, Herpes (of prepuce), Hiccough, Intermittents, Marasmus, Masturbation (effects of), Melancholia, Mercury (abuse of), Mycosis, Nipples (retracted), Renal colic, Rhagades, Rheumatism (gonorrhoeal), Seborrhoea, Spermatic cords (swelling of), Spermatorrhoea, Strangury, Syphilis, Ulcers, Warts.

Russian Experience

In the Russian Far East a shrub known as Aralia Manchurian is used as a general tonic of Nastoika (with vodka) for physical and mental exhaustion.

India and Pakistan

Known as Country Sarsaparilla, or Indian Sarsaparilla, it grows in many parts of India and Pakistan. The roots are considered a substitute for American Sarsaparilla.

Uses

As an appetizer and for dyspepsia, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, diseases of the genito-urinary tract, chronic cough, etc.

Dose

Powdered roots, 10–60 grains with milk. Also used as syrup and decoctions from the root.

Externally

Ointment for swelling, rheumatic pains, boils, carbuncles

Medicinal uses

• The root is alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and stimulant.
• The herb encourages sweating, is stimulating and detoxifying and so is used internally in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, asthma, rheumatism, stomach aches etc.
• A drink made from the pulverised roots is used as a cough treatment.
• Applied externally the root is used as a poultice in treating rheumatism, sores, burns, itchy skin, ulcers and skin problems such as eczema.
• A poultice made from the roots and/or the fruit is applied to sores, burns, itchy skin, ulcers, swellings etc.
• A homeopathic remedy made from the roots is important in the treatment of cystitis.

Side effects

• Consult the doctor before using Spignet to remain in the safe side.
• Excess use causes side effects such as allergies and stomach issues such as diarrhea, indigestion and upset stomach.
• Allergic reactions resembling asthma symptoms might be experienced.
• Pregnant women should avoid its intake.

 

References

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