Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant from the genus Smilax. The climbing, woody vine grows deep in the canopy of the rainforest. It’s native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies.

Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant from the genus Smilax. The climbing, woody vine grows deep in the canopy of the rainforest. It’s native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies.

For centuries, indigenous people around the world used the root of the sarsaparilla plant for treating joint problems like arthritis, and for healing skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

The root was also thought to cure Hansen’s disease (leprosy) due to its “blood-purifying” properties.

Sarsaparilla was later introduced into European medicine and eventually registered as an herb in the United States Pharmacopoeia to treat syphilis.

Sarsaparilla is also the common name of a soft drink that was popular in the early 1800s. The drink was used as a home remedy and was often served in bars.

Contrary to popular belief, the sarsaparilla soft drink was typically made from another plant called sassafras. It has been described as having a similar taste to root beer or birch beer. The drink is still popular in certain Southeast Asian countries but is no longer common in the United States.

Though it can be found online and in specialty stores, today’s sarsaparilla drinks don’t actually contain any sarsaparilla or sassafras. Instead, they contain natural and artificial flavoring to mimic the taste.

There are no known side effects of using sarsaparilla. However, taking a large amount of saponins may cause stomach irritation. Be aware that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate herbs and supplements and they aren’t subjected to rigorous safety and efficacy testing prior to marketing.

Sarsaparilla may interact with certain medications. It can increase the ability of your body to absorb other drugs. Call your doctor right away if you experience any side effects while taking sarsaparilla.

Picture taken: An East Street market stall holder selling glasses of Sarsaparilla using a pump. This seller would would also sell bottles of blackcurrant juice and more likely jellied eels and welks.

East Street is now a predominantly African market. It is very close the the Elephant & Castle area of London, just off Walworth Road.