Sarsaparilla Boosts the Male Libido - Aphrodisiac for Men

Derived from ‘Aphrodite’, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, the term ‘aphrodisiac’ refers to a vast range of substances that are believed to stimulate sexual desire. While some of the these substances boost human libido by acting directly on sex organs, others work by alleviating physiological disorders, supplying essential nutrients or through psychological suggestions. Among all the herbs known to work as aphrodisiacs, sarsaparilla is one of the oldest and best known natural sex boosters for men.

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Native to Mexico, sarsaparilla is a trailing vine which grows in wet tropical forests of Central and South America and in many parts of the Caribbean. Besides growing naturally in these regions, the plant has also been cultivated for long in Asia and Australia. The botanical name of this plant is Smilax regelli even though in popular terminology it is often referred interchangeably with several other species like Smilax glabra, Smilax perfoliate, Smilax officinalis and Smilax ornate.

Sarsaparilla boosts the male libido

Historical evidence shows that sarsaparilla has been regarded as a potent booster of male libido since ancient times. It was in fact used by ancient tribes of Central and South America to cure impotence among men and treat a variety of sexual disorders. It was also regarded as a potent tonic among the indigenous people of South America where the European settlers discovered the herb and then introduced it to their civilization in the 1400s. In ancient China, sarsaparilla was known as “khao yen” and considered a potent sexual stimulant besides being used in the treatment of genital infections like syphilis.

How does sarsaparilla work as an aphrodisiac? It is the root of the sarsaparilla plant which is reputed to possess aphrodisiacal properties. Chemical evaluation of the sarsaparilla root has shown that it includes compounds like sarsasapogenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol, several types of flavonoids as well as the saponins like sarsasaponin, sarsaparilloside. Even though the exact mechanism by which sarsaparilla boosts the libido among humans has not been identified, it is thought that the herb contains substances known as phytosterols which are similar to testosterone and which may stimulate the activity of sexual hormones in the body. The action may be helpful in curing impotence and enhancing sex drive among men by optimizing the action of male sex hormones. Among women, sarsaparilla is thought to stimulate the production of yet another hormone progesterone, the lack of which may be responsible for depressed libido.

Sarsaparilla as an aphrodisiac

Among men, sarsaparilla also works as an aphrodisiac by treating several disorders of the genitor-urinary system. Unless the body is free from painful genital conditions, it cannot have a fulfilling sexual experience. In traditional Chinese medicine, a species of sarsaparilla, the Smilax glabra was a known remedy of syphilis and was even used to prevent conditions like leptospirosis. Indigenous people of Central and South America have long used the herb to treat syphilis and various other genital infections. According to an interesting anecdote, cowboys in the old west would drink a concoction of sarsaparilla root before making a round of the brothels in an attempt to avoid infections like syphilis and gonorrhea. In fact it became a hugely popular drink ever since the first cowboy star of silent films, Gilbert M. "Bronco Billy" Anderson appeared with the drink on screen in 1912.

Other medicinal uses of sarsaparilla

Among other medicinal conditions which have been known to benefit from treatment by sarsaparilla are skin disorders such as, acne, eczema, psoriasis, ring worm and scrofula diseases. The herb was known to be used in traditional Chinese medicine and by shamans in South American to treat leprosy as well as other inflammatory skin conditions. Sarsaparilla root preparations, especially of the Jamaican species are also believed to provide relief from pain brought about by conditions like rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

The herb’s reputation as a tonic for general well being perhaps rests on its cleansing effect and nourishing various organs of the body like the liver and colon. It is a good blood purifier and works to cleanse the body by breaking down infections and flushing out toxins through urine and perspiration. Yet another medicinal use of sarsaparilla is as an eye wash. Certain substances present in the herb are beloved to have vision-enhancing properties.

In certain traditional Indian communities, sarsaparilla has been known to treat cases of snakebite, probably because of its supposed anti-venom properties. However to do so, the herb must be taken on a clear stomach. How to use sarsaparilla? In medicinal preparations, only the root of sarsaparilla is used. The roots can grow more than two meters and are very bitter in taste though generally odorless. After the roots are collected and dried, they are then boiled in water to extract the usable matter. In fact, the quantity of extract yielded by the root is often used as a measure of its quality. The extract is then made into a drink or herbal tea by steeping one teaspoon root in one cup of water. In some cases of skin conditions, the sarsaparilla root is used externally to provide relief. As far as dosage is concerned, powdered sarsaparilla is usually taken up to two grams daily and as pills, two per day of roughly 450 mg each. Sarsaparilla tea can be taken up to two cups daily. In tincture form, the herb can be taken as 30-60 drops every day.

Sarsaparilla side effects

There are some side effects of sarsaparilla. Excessive use of the herb can lead to kidney problems. Nausea too may be a side effect of sarsaparilla use in some cases. Sarsaparilla can increase absorption of chemicals such as bismuth and digitalis which may lead to toxicity, so these should be avoided when on a course of sarsaparilla. Finally as with any potent herb, one should check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking sarsaparilla.

Sarsaparilla improves the sex life in two ways

Like most herbs and foods known to have aphrodisiacal properties, sarsaparilla too works to enhance a man’s sex life by a two-pronged effect. On one hand, its chemicals act directly to heighten the effect of sex hormones and on the other the herb acts a tonic for the overall well being of the body. The result is a healthy body which is poised for healthy and enjoyable sex.