Evidence supporting the use of: Jamaican Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. Traditionally, the root has been consumed as a tea or tonic to support digestive health, including relief from gas and bloating. Folk medicine practitioners have claimed that sarsaparilla helps to "cleanse the blood" and soothe the digestive tract, which is thought to reduce symptoms of bloating and flatulence. However, scientific research explicitly supporting the use of Jamaican sarsaparilla for gas and bloating is limited. The available scientific literature focuses more on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential antimicrobial properties rather than direct effects on gastrointestinal symptoms. Some studies on related Smilax species suggest mild diuretic or anti-inflammatory actions, which could theoretically play a role in digestive comfort, but these effects have not been robustly demonstrated in controlled clinical studies. Therefore, while there is a substantial traditional basis for using Jamaican sarsaparilla for gas and bloating, scientific validation remains weak, and evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific purpose is currently rated as low.
More about Jamaican Sarsaparilla
More about Gas and Bloating
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Other health conditions supported by Jamaican Sarsaparilla
ArthritisBlood Poisoning
Boils
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Edema
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Wounds and Sores