Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sarsaparilla (from various Smilax species) has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine, especially in regions of Central and South America, as well as in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. While most of its traditional applications center around treating skin diseases, rheumatism, and as a general tonic, there are some references in herbal traditions to its use for "clearing the blood" or as a "depurative." Occasionally, sarsaparilla has been included in herbal formulas intended to address respiratory complaints, such as congestion, though this is not one of its primary or most widely recognized uses. There is little to no robust historical documentation specifically supporting sarsaparilla as a remedy for lung congestion.

From a scientific perspective, there is no credible clinical or preclinical research demonstrating that sarsaparilla has any meaningful effect on lung congestion. Its known active constituents (such as saponins and phytosterols) have not been shown to possess decongestant or significant expectorant properties in the respiratory tract. As such, the use of sarsaparilla for lung congestion is supported—if at all—only by limited, secondary mentions in traditional herbal texts, and not by scientific validation or strong historical precedent. Its evidence rating for this use is therefore quite low.

More about Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
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Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)

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Products containing Sarsaparilla (unspecified)