For many years, people thought sarsaparilla had testosterone in it, but there is none present, or for that matter in any plant studied so far. The spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally. The exact mechanism of action has not been identified, however it is thought that the phytosterols it contains stimulate hormone-like activity in the body. Native Americans held it in high esteem as a tonic and blood purifier, and the root was registered in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1910 as a treatment for syphilis. However most modern herbalists no longer believe that sarsaparilla cures syphilis, build muscles or cure a flagging libido. There is research to substantiate its use. for gout, arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and eczema. Certain root phytochemicals, called saponins, have soothed psoriasis, most likely by disabling bacterial components called endotoxins. Endotoxins show up in the bloodstreams of people with psoriasis, arthritis and gout.If you have any of these conditions, and feel the need for an all-around tonic to help you fight stress sarsaparilla could certainly play a beneficial role.

Closely related species have been used in Europe and Asia to treat a variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory conditions.

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2. Sarsaparilla root tea