Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii) has a long history of use in traditional Caribbean and Central American herbal medicine. It has been employed as a "blood purifier" and to address various ailments including skin conditions, rheumatism, and issues thought to be associated with the lymphatic system, such as swollen glands. The rationale behind its use for swollen lymph nodes likely stems from its perceived anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, as well as its general use for "cleaning" the blood, which in traditional medicine is often connected with lymphatic health.

Scientifically, sarsaparilla contains saponins, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in animal models. However, clinical evidence in humans is lacking, especially regarding its efficacy in treating swollen lymph nodes or supporting glandular health specifically. No well-designed clinical trials have validated its use for this purpose, and there are no approved medical indications for sarsaparilla in this context. Thus, while use for swollen glands is rooted in tradition and fits within broader ethnobotanical practices, scientific validation remains weak.