Chinese Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax glabra ) is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems. Its name (which is zarzaparrilla in Spanish) comes from the Spanish words zarza for “shrub” and parrilla for “little grape vine.”

This particular plant (different from and not to be confused with Smilax officinalis and also somewhat rarer) is also known as Tufuling or Chinaroot, China-root.  and this particular plant is indigenous to China, The Himalayas  and Indochina ( as its name so clearly suggests )

The name sarsaparilla can also refer to a drink made from the roots of the vine. The name “Sasparilla” is also often used but is a common mis-spelling of Sarsaparilla.

Traditional Uses for Chinese Sarsaparilla Root:-

Chinese Sarsaparilla root has been used ( as its cousin Smilax officinalis has ) for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the Far East for inflammatory issues like rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a general tonic for physical weakness.

Its main historical uses are recorded as follows:-

Psoriasis, dermatitis, leprosy, and other skin disorders
Blood purifier and general detoxification aid
General tonic (tones, balances, strengthens), stimulant, and hormonal regulator
Arthritis, rheumatism and autoimmune disorders which cause inflammation
Syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (one wonders to what effect and suspects none!)