Any negative side effects?
Posted by trigal2 (Member # 20578) on :
I have been taking it for about 6 months and have no issues with consipation or any other negative side effects.
I take liquid form.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Too much can cause loose bowels but, in varying amounts over the years, I've never had any amount (whether just a little or too much) cause constipation.
Still, it's good to do a full literature search, starting with a cross search of the two term at PubMed. -
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Yes - the herbs (especially sarsaparilla) can be very binding at first.
Sarsaparilla cakes onto the colon wall and pulls toxins out!
The constipation will go away eventually.
try using megadoses of Vit C
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- As my brain wake up exercise - here's a short collection for you, mostly from my file notes so you can learn more about the properties of this fabulous plant and what to expect.
It can cause some stomach pain at first, especially if too much is taken. Best to start slow and low with lots of water.
I've always had to back off as, for me, it caused rumblings and loose bowels until I got used to it. However, everyone may respond a bit different and diet can make a big difference - as can other Rx or other herbs or supplements you may be taking.
Antidiarrhoeal effects of methanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (Indian sarsaparilla)--an in vitro and in vivo study.
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There is a six page chapter on Smilax in this book - you'd want to read all of that before using. Tiny doses are best at first as it can cause some rumbling in the belly and some sleepiness.
. . . animal models of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) with hyperinsulinemia. . . .
. . . SM also suppressed epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia in mice. SM-treated KK-Ay mice significantly decreased the blood glucose in an insulin tolerance test. We concluded that the hypoglycemic effect of SM raised insulin sensitivity.
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Some of the more recent abstracts at PubMed indicate that Smilax may be helpful to lessen Diabetic Neuropathy and also act as a lead chelator.
SARSAPARILLA ROOT (Smilax species) is sweet and bland in taste, and neutral in action. It removes toxins from the bowel, and reduces inflammation and dampness from the blood, liver, urinary system and skin. . . .
- much more at link above. From: The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tillotson, et.al.)
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Read all about it first. There are different species, some are stronger than others and each with own unique properties, although very similar. That from Jamaica is different from that coming from Mexico. One is much stronger but I forget which is which.
��� START SLOWLY WITH SMALL DOSE, whether tincture or dry form. It can cause lower G.I. upset so - start with small dose and work from there. ���
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Although Smilax has a long history of helping to treat Syphilis (another spirochetal bacteria), Lyme is much more complex ( Syphilis has 23 genes where Lyme has over 250). Still, the high point of Smilax is the fantastic help in removing endotoxins. For that purpose, it serves very well for us. It also has some nutritional benefits.
It also has many benefits beyond that as an endotoxin binder. Again, Buhner's chapter is full of detail.
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It's very fine powder, don't breathe it in when mixing. It won't dissolve in water, but mix well in 1/2 cup water - to break up the powder so you don't breathe it in when swallowing.
It tastes very bitter but that does not bother me. Carob root powder and a dash of stevia could be added but this is not a beverage, it's serious business. Just swallow and then enjoy a hot cup of carob in almond milk with a little stevia. Mix carob as a paste first, then add hot water or hot almond milk.
Also called Tu Fu Ling -
Posted by jennie46 (Member # 20953) on :
Does sarsparilla work as well as cholestyramine for detoxing?
Cholestyramine is causing significant constipation problems. Only taking 1/5 scoop makes me unable to "go" for 2 days.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Q: Does sarsparilla work as well as cholestyramine for detoxing?
For me, yes - if combined with carob powder and lots of fiber from food. Carob powder, itself, can be too binding and cause constipation but with Smilax, I never had that happen.
I tired several times and had really bad effects from cholestyramine, even with all the support and all the water in the world.
cholestyramine also takes out needed nutrients. Smilax adds many nutrients. Smilax can cause stomach distress, though, so it's not necessary easy at first when working up to find the right dose but once that is figured out - AND when combined as part of an overall formula - it can work well. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I can't find the quote but do recall having read that carob does bind endotoxins in the gut.
you can research the nutritional aspects of carob and see what PubMed has to say about it, too. My own research on this is not in an organized fashion. But, here's a good place to get this.
It's very fine powder so, it's best to wear a mask, or hold your breath and keep your distance when you transfer this out to a dark glass jar - or a clear class jar but keep in a closed cabinet. Otherwise, transfer out just enough to use for a week and keep the original package as air tight as possible when you tape it back up. -------------
Carob Powder Light Roast Organic one pound pkg is $16.
Stir a teaspoon with a little water � make in to a think paste and then add steaming hot water and a dash or drop of stevia and you have a nice drink. You could add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
For therapeutic use, you can mix the Smilax powder in with the carob (just like the paste first in a little water, then the warm water to drink) but it won�t taste like hot cocoa then as smilax is bitter. Still, I like to do it this way. -