Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sarsaparilla (Smilax species) has a long history of traditional use in various systems of herbal medicine, especially in Central and South America, India, and China. It has been used to support skin health, including the management of rashes, hives, and other dermatological conditions. Traditional healers believed that sarsaparilla could "purify the blood," a concept that historically has been associated with improving skin health and treating conditions manifested on the skin, such as eczema, psoriasis, and urticaria (hives). The root contains saponins, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects based on in vitro and animal studies, but there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly linking sarsaparilla to improvements in rashes or hives in humans.

Modern herbal references may still mention sarsaparilla for skin eruptions, typically citing its traditional role and possible anti-inflammatory actions. However, high-quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for rashes and hives is minimal, and most claims are anecdotal or based on older texts. Thus, while sarsaparilla's use for managing rashes and hives is primarily justified by tradition, scientific support remains limited, meriting a low to moderate evidence rating.

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