Tonic Herb of the Month

WILD SARSAPARILLA

(Aralia nudicaulis)

A native woodland species found throughout Appalachia, this plant is not related to the tropical Sarsaparilla most people are familiar with, but it has many overlapping uses.


Description: The Aralia genus also contains Spikenard (Aralia racemosa), another Appalachian plant, and wild sarsaparilla is sometimes referred to as “little spikenard.” They are in the same family as ginseng, and like ginseng, the Aralias are normalizing to the metabolism and strengthening to the adrenals. Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regeii) is an entirely different plant that grows as a thorny vine in the Caribbean and Central America. Jamaican sarsaparilla and the smilax genus made its way into the European materia medica as a treatment for syphyllis and quickly became known for its blood-cleansing properties. To add to the confusion between these species, we do have another native woodland plant that grows around here called Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), that is related to this tropical sarsaparilla vine. Greenbrier is also used as a more direct substitute for true sarsaparilla. In this materia medica, we’ll be talking about the wild sarsaparilla of Appalachia (Aralia nudicaulis).

Actions: pectoral, diuretic, diaphoretic, alterative, adaptogen, vulnerary, stimulant

Parts Used: Root

Energetics: Cooling, Sweet, Dispersive

Uses: As an alterative, wild sarsaparilla has similar properties to “true sarsaparilla” (Smilax regeii) and both have been used to treat rheumatism, syphilis, inflammations of the skin, hormonal dysregulation, and diseases of the blood. Alteratives are often thought of as “blood-cleansers”, but this is a very vague way of understanding their action. As blood medicine, wild sarsaparilla is particularly suited for conditions where circulation is impeded, resulting in the accumulation of wastes. A syrup from the root can be useful for an irritating, mucus-producing cough or tuberculosis. Externally, fomentations of the root are useful for ringworm. As an adaptogen, wild sarsaparilla is balancing to states of sympathetic excess, when the fight-or-flight response is in constant alert.

Indications: hormonal excess, acne, sluggish cellular metabolism, gout, syphilis, blood infections/toxicity, rheumatism & inflammatory joint conditions, boggy lungs with irritation & excess mucus, skin eruptions, ringworm.

Preparations: Decoction, tincture, syrup, fomentation

Cautions: no side effects or drug interactions found.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Buds & Blossoms Clinical Herbalism

Now Enrolling!

This 9-month, intermediate-level program is for herbal students and enthusiasts who have a basic level of training and are ready to dive deep into the therapeutic application of herbs. We dive deep into anatomy & physiology and Materia medica. We cover phytochemistry, tissue states, herb-drug interactions and much more. Check out the link below to see if this is a good fit for you:
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Intro to Plant Communication ~ Aug 8th
&
Flower Essences 101 ~ Aug 9th

with Teacher, Author, & creator of Brigid’s Way ~ Jen Frey


Intro to Plant Communication 
(Aug 8th, 6:30-8:30pm)

Come to learn how to connect with plant consciousness and form a deeper bond with these incredibly allies. 

Flower Essences 101 
(August 9th, 9 am- Noon)

Learn how to utilize Flower Essences for personal transformation. We will make an essence together that you can take home.

Register Here

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Community Medicine Making Circles

with Jen Halima  

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Next one: August 23rd

The Elders & Herbal Syrup

As the flowers begin to berry, we’ll touch on so much wisdom in simple and yummy ways to strengthen and protect our immune systems as the summer begin to wane and the flowers are turning to fruit. You’ll take home a bottle of elderberry & rosehip syrup made with local honey for immune support and try out some other herbal syrup recipes in class.

Register Here

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Solid Perfume-Making

with Lakeja Baylor

Saturday, September 6th, 4-5 pm

In this workshop you will be learning how to make your our own solid perfumes. Combining beeswax, botanically infused oils, and essential oils you will make & take home 2 differently scented solid perfumes.

Register Here

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Cacao Ceremony

with Angela Bates

September 14th
10:30 am – 1:30 pm 

Step into a sacred place of magic and connection for a special cacao ceremony featuring Keith’s Cacao. You will experience a heart-opening journey guided by ritual, intention, and he healing spirit of cacao. The ceremony will include gentle clearing practices, storytelling about the cacao being served, a sound meditation, and, of course, drinking the world’s finest ceremonial-grade cacao, all while allowing the energy of this beautiful medicine to awaken you to move love, more fun, and support you in getting out of your own way. Come as you are, leave transformed.

Register Here

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Sunday Morning Tea Ceremonies

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Come for quiet reflection as you sip on several cups of tea following Japanese tradition. Ceremony begins at 9:30 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required.

Suggested Donation: $25

Register Here