Smilax febrifuga

Kunth

Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla

Smilacaceae Edible: Root 17 iNaturalist observations

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Arizona State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (ASU-Plants)

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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MBG

Description

Smilax febrifuga is an evergreen Climber growing to 12 m (39ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Condiment. Root extracts are used to flavour soft drinks ice cream, confectionery and bakery products.

Medicinal Uses

Acrid Alterative Antiinflammatory Antipruritic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Digestive Febrifuge Kidney Skin. Ecuadorian sarsaparilla (the roots and rhizome) is a sweet, acrid, alterative herb that reduces inflammation, controls itching, improves digestion and elimination and is antiseptic. This is one of three species (the others are S. Aristolochiifolia and S. regelii) that gained a high reputation in the 17th century as cure-alls. They were widely imported into Europe until early in the 20th century, by which time their rather overrated reputation had waned somewhat. However, the plants do have a number of important medicinal benefits - in particular, their roots contain steroidal saponins which are an efective treatment for many cases of psoriasis; they also have hormonal effects, and may improve fertility in women with ovarian dysfunction. The rhizomes are alterative, digestive, febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of fevers, digestive disorders, kidney troubles and gonorrhoea. It is also used against scrophulus, skin diseases and rheumatism.