SARSAPARILLA

The root of the Smilax sarsaparilla. Several varieties of this drug are imported from South America: that which is now generally preferred is the reddish fibrous root, known in the market under the name of Jamaica or red sarsaparilla. What is termed Lisbon sarsaparilla is le fibrous, and more mealy and white in the interior. This root, though long employed in medicine, seems only lately to have been properly estimated. It was formerly regarded as a specific in syphilis; but this opinion is now given up, and it is used as a powerful and valuable alterative medicine in many disorders of debility, but more especially in those cacliectic habits which present symptoms formerly mistaken for venereal — such as pains of the bones, nodes of the periosteum, lo of strength and flesh, and other characters of what is sometimes called a broken constitution. In these cases a course of sarsaparilla has often effected a cure, especially if resorted to in time, when all other remedies, and more especially mercurials, had failed. It must be taken in pretty large doses, that is, in quantities not le than an ounce to an ounce and a half a day, and persevered in for six, eight, or ten weeks; or a quantity of extract or syrup, or other preparation equivalent to that weight of the dried root: a concentrated liquid extract, and a syrup, are now prepared, which are the best forms. They are apt to disagree with weak stomachs; but generally, by proper management and perseverance, this difficulty may be got over. Where it agrees, the strength is gradually regained, the pains and other symptoms abate and vanish; and the only other effect observed is, either that the bowels are rather more open than usual, or the flow of urine or the perspiration increased. [s. 1093]