Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) Tincture, Dried Roots Liquid Extract

Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) Tincture, Dried Roots Liquid Extract

A single-herb liquid extract of dried roots of Smilax medica, cold-macerated in small batches and offered either as a traditional tincture in organic sugar-cane alcohol or as a vegetable glycerite.

What you get

• One herb, named to species. Nothing in the bottle but Smilax medica roots — the botanical name is printed on the label, so you always know which plant you bought.
• Cold maceration, never heated. The herb steeps at room temperature rather than being boiled or spray-dried, so the volatile and heat-sensitive fractions stay in the liquid.
• Your choice of menstruum. Organic sugar-cane alcohol for a traditional tincture, or a vegetable glycerin extract with no ethanol in it.
• Ethically wild-harvested or sustainably sourced. Wild material is bought from harvesters who work stands on rotation rather than stripping them.
• Nothing else added. No added sugar, no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances. Non-GMO and gluten-free.
• Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
• Sizes from 2 fl oz to 2 gallons, including multi-packs — the same extract whether you are trying it or restocking.

About the plant

Sarsaparilla is a woody climbing vine of the tropical forests of Central America and northern South America, armed with hooked prickles and climbing by paired tendrils from the leaf bases. It is a Smilax, a relative of the greenbriers that snag a walker's legs across the American south. The long thin roots are what is dug, and they were the flavouring of the original American root beers and sarsaparilla drinks before those moved to synthetic substitutes.

Ingredients

Tincture: Smilax medica dried roots, organic sugar-cane alcohol, distilled water, vegetable glycerin USP.
Glycerite: Smilax medica dried roots, vegetable glycerin USP, distilled water.

No added sugar. Contains no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances.

Suggested use

Shake well before use. Take 20–30 drops (about 1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 2 oz of water or juice, up to 4 times daily, or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Warnings

Not for use in pregnancy. Sarsaparilla is rich in saponins and can irritate the stomach; take it well diluted. Leave a gap either side of any medication, since it can change absorption.

Keep out of reach of children. Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are taking any medication, have a medical condition, or are scheduled for surgery, consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs. Do not use if the tamper seal is broken or missing. Store tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Actual packaging may carry different or additional information; always read the label before use.