Indian Sarsaparilla – Hemidesmus indicus is a fast-growing perennial vine whose roots have similar properties (and uses) to the herbal sarsaparilla used in the western herbal tradition. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been revered for thousands of years for its healing properties and aromatic qualities. It has also been popular as a magical-spiritual dream herb. Its Sanskrit name means ‘endless root’.
Active ingredients & usage
The roots contain coumarins, essential oils, triterpenoid saponins, tannins, flavonoids. There are six major therapeutic uses that have been time tested and shown to be efficient: they are as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and heal wounds. In traditional Hindi folk wisdom, healers or sages used the roots as a general tonic, to cleanse the blood of toxins, soothe skin irritations and rashes, reduce the burning sensations caused by urinary tract infections, reduce fevers, and to heal moderate acne.
“Dream” herb
Ayurvedic practitioners (and shamans) have used hemidesmus root to promote a calm and tranquil state of mind, to maintain mental clarity while falling asleep, and to achieve lucidity while dreaming.
Therapeutic uses today
There is significant scientific evidence that hemidesmus can be used effectively as a treatment for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, epileptic seizures, high blood pressure, immune disorders, and high stress.
Ani-oxidant
Hemidesmus root was tested for its antioxidant properties – it reduced reactive oxygen species. It was also shown to reduce platelet aggregation with similar effectiveness to heparin.
Immune system
Hemidesmus has been found to activate the immune system, making it very useful to manage the various autoimmune diseases of today, including rheumatoid arthritis.
With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity it has also shown to be useful as prevention and in reducing the toxicity of a variety of cancer cells, including leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Antioxidant & antithrombotic
Research has shown Hemidesmus to be antimicrobial against a broad spectrum of multidrug resistant organisms (including Staph aureus) as well as the yeast Candida albicans.
Digestive system & membranes
Hemidesmus has a long history of use for diarrhoea and dysentery particularly as an infusion, as the tea stimulates water and electrolyte absorption.
Research supports the traditional uses of hemidesmus for gut problems and found that the roots (especially collected during flowering time) were particularly useful to repair stomach erosion (including that damaged by pharmaceuticals such as aspirin), thereby protecting against stomach ulcers. Its ability to repair membrane has seen hemidesmus used for lung complaints such as bronchitis and to relieve sore mouths of children.
Hormonal
Antioxidant & antithrombotic improves testosterone thereby improving libido (in both men and women) and increases male sperm count. It has been used for treatment of venereal disease, proving efficient where American Sarsaparilla has failed.
Renal system & kidneys
Hemidesmus roots have a diuretic effect on the kidneys, improving in a variety of kidney ailments, including fluid retention and burning urine (due to inflammation or infection).
Bone metabolism
Of a range of herbal medicines tested, hemidesmus showed the greatest counteractivity in the breaking down of bone tissue thereby assisting in the prevention of bone loss, without adverse effects on bone precursors.
Others
More unusual uses are to treat snake bites (viper and cobra) and scorpion stings (as an antivenom treatment) and to promote wound healing.
Overall
The root of hemidesmus is used traditionally to treat a wide variety of illnesses including rheumatism, impotence, urinary tract and skin infections. Research on living organisms and laboratory research has shown this amazing plant to have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fever reducing, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, Reno protective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties.
Directions: Add 1-2 tsp. Steep in boiled water for 7-10 mins. The longer the better. Add plant based sweetener if desired. For a stronger tea, boil on stove. Medium heat till brought to boil. Turn off & steep until ready to drink.
Drink plenty of water during your day!
Sarsaparilla is one of those products which can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
1-4 grams per day
No more than 4 weeks at a time.
5 days per week and 2 days off. Let your body adjust!
Precautions
- Sarsaparilla should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women.
- Excessive amounts may cause stomach upset.
- If you take blood-thinning medications, do not take this herb.
- Men with prostate problems should not use.
- People with kidney problems or diabetes should use with caution.
- It may make some medications more effective or potent so be sure to let your physician know before you take this herb.
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