Alterative, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, relaxant, demulcent, diaphoretic, cathartic, anti-arthritic, anti-syphilitic, depurant, deobstruent, anti-scorbutic, carminative.

Sarsaparilla is a wonderful tonic blood-purifier. It contains organic sulphur (anti-putrefaction), a small amount of magnesium sulphate (equals Epsom salts as a laxative), iron (oxidizer and vitalizer of the blood), calcium oxalate (high in oxygen and absorption of carbon dioxide), potassium chloride (fibrin solvent), and magnesium (bitter tonic). It will promote profuse perspiration when taken hot, it will increase the flow of urine, and it is a powerful agent to expel gas from the stomach and intestines. Recent research has found that the root contains valuable hormones; testosterone, progesterone, and cortin.

An herbaceous perennial with large, fleshy, horizontal, creepini roots from which grows a large solitary compound leaf. The leaves are twice-divided, each 3 divisions has 3-5 toothed, oval leaflets. The flower stem comes from a naked root, 1 foot high, terminating in 3 small, many-flowered greenish umbels. Found in eastern and central U.S. in moist woods.

The root tea is used as a pleasant tasting beverage for a spring tonic. It is a carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, and tonic. The tea or tincture, is a blood purifying tonic. It is historically used for fevers, coughing, indigestion, and gas. A tea can be used externally for skin problems, ringworm. Steep 1 teaspoon of the root-stock in 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups a day.