SARASPARILLA

Smilax officinalis: Liliaceae

ELEMENT: Fire

TASTE: bitter, sweet	VIPAKA: sweet
WARMTH: slightly cooling	DOSHAS: V- P- K=

MERIDIANS: liver, stomach, kidneys

ACTIONS: alterative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, diaphoretic, balances testosterone function, antiscorbutic (helps heal scabies) tonic, hepatic.

INDICATIONS: widely applicable alterative which can be used to balance function of the body as a whole; skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatic conditions, venereal diseases, cystitis, herpes, gout, epilepsy, chronic nervous diseases, intestinal gas, impotence, cloudy urine, liver disorders

CONSTITUENTS: sapogenins including SARSAPOGENIN and PARILLIN (antibiotic activity), glycosides, essential oil, beta-sitosterol, resin, sugar, fat

PREPARATION AND USE:
-1-2 tsp in 1 c water, bring to boil and simmer 15 min, three times daily
-combines well with Yellow Dock, Cleavers, and Burdock for psoriasis
-use infusion as a wash for genital herpes
-hot fomentation for arthritic joints
-combines well with other alteratives such as sassafras, burdock, dandelion, and red clover

USE IN MAGIC:
-mixed with cinnamon and sandalwood and sprinkled around premises to attract money
-used in love spells

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-clears mind of negative emotions
-eases communication of intimate thoughts and feelings with clarity and courage

"In knowing and clarifying my emotions, I come to appreciate the choices they offer."