Sarsaparilla Homeopathy: Uses and Benefits

Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.

Sarsaparilla is a classical homeopathic remedy made from the dried root of the Smilax plant. In traditional homeopathic use it is associated with urinary discomfort, particularly burning pain at the very end of urination, and with dry, cracked skin. It is usually found as small pillules or tablets, as drops, or as one ingredient in combination formulas.

Sarsaparilla at a glance

• Source: the root of a tropical climbing vine of the Smilax family
• Traditional keynote: burning pain felt as urination finishes
• Also linked with: dry, cracked or leathery skin, and discomfort that is worse in damp, cold weather and in spring
• Typical potencies: 6C or 30C for home use; higher potencies with a practitioner
• Speak to a doctor if: urinary symptoms are persistent, severe, or come with fever, back pain or blood in the urine

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What is Sarsaparilla in homeopathy?

The remedy is prepared from the root of a tropical climbing vine of the Smilax family, long used in traditional drinks and folk medicine. For the homeopathic remedy the dried root is prepared and then diluted in the usual way, and it is used on the principle of like-with-like. Some labels list it as Sarsaparilla and others as Smilax; they refer to the same plant source.

What is Sarsaparilla used for?

Sarsaparilla has a well-defined urinary picture in homeopathic tradition. It is associated with:

• Burning pain at the end of urination, the keynote of the remedy
• Urinary discomfort with a feeling of incomplete emptying
• Dry, cracked or leathery skin, sometimes with itching
• Discomfort that is worse in damp, cold weather and in spring
• Feeling out of sorts and low alongside the physical symptoms

Urinary symptoms can have many causes, including infection, so this is a page about traditional homeopathic use and not a way to work out what is wrong. Please have new or recurring urinary symptoms checked by a doctor or pharmacist.

Sarsaparilla potency: 6C, 30C or 200C?

In home self-care Sarsaparilla is most often used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. A low potency such as 6C is commonly chosen for a simple, recent picture, and 30C is a popular general-purpose strength. Higher potencies, for example 200C, are generally chosen with an experienced homeopath, because potency and repetition are matched to the individual picture rather than to a diagnosis.

Traditional dosage: what product labels say

We do not stock a single-remedy Sarsaparilla pillule at the moment, but the remedy appears in several formulas. Follow the directions on the pack you have. The pages for these products give:

• Lymphomyosot (Sarsaparilla D6 among many ingredients): drops, 15 drops three times a day; tablets, 3 tablets three times a day; ampoules, 1 ampoule 1-3 times a week. Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Drops contain alcohol.
• Guna Kidney Drops (Sarsaparilla 2X): 10 drops three times a day.
• Dr. Reckeweg R27 Drops (Sarsaparilla D3): around 15 drops in water to begin with, then 5-18 drops two to three times a day.
• Dr. Reckeweg R60 Drops (Sarsaparilla D6): 5-15 drops in water, two or three times daily before meals.
• Restructa (contains Smilax D2): tablets; not for use in pregnancy.

Who should avoid Sarsaparilla?

• Anyone allergic to Smilax or any ingredient on the label.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: ask your practitioner or pharmacist first.
• Anyone with fever, back or loin pain, blood in the urine, or symptoms that keep returning: see a doctor rather than self-treating.
• People avoiding alcohol: many drops contain ethanol.

How does Sarsaparilla differ from similar remedies?

• Cantharis is the traditional remedy for intense, raw, burning urinary discomfort with constant urging, while Sarsaparilla is picked out by pain at the end of the flow. See the Cantharis guide.
• Nitricum acidum is linked with sharp, splinter-like pains and strong-smelling urine. See the Nitricum Acidum guide.
• Berberis vulgaris is linked with shooting pains radiating from the loins. See the Berberis Vulgaris guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sarsaparilla best known for in homeopathy?

Burning pain at the very end of urination, along with dry, cracked skin in its traditional picture.

What potency of Sarsaparilla is commonly used?

Low potencies such as 6C or 30C are typical for home use; higher potencies are usually selected with a homeopath's guidance.

Is homeopathic Sarsaparilla the same as sarsaparilla drink?

They come from related plants, but the homeopathic remedy is a prepared dilution used for a specific symptom picture, quite different from the traditional beverage.

Is Sarsaparilla homeopathy used for skin?

Traditionally, yes: dry, cracked, leathery skin is part of its picture. Persistent or changing skin problems should be seen by a doctor.

Keep reading

• Cantharis: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Nitricum Acidum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Berberis Vulgaris: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Colocynthis: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Natrum Sulphuricum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits

Browse more

• Reckeweg products
• Heel Compositums
• Health Library

Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.