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Herb Uses R, S, T Herbs
beneficial in premenstrual problems and debility and depression associated with menopause. It has a tonic and
specifically testosterogenic action on the body (stimulates the production of testosterone) and stimulates natural
cortisone, leading to increased muscle bulk, and it has a potential use for impotence.
The majority of Sarsaparilla's pharmacological properties and actions have been attributed to a
pharmacologically active group of phytochemicals called steroids and saponins. The saponins have been
reported to facilitate the absorption by the body of other drugs and phytochemicals which accounts for its
history of use in herbal formulas as a bioavailability and herbal enhancement agent.
Saponins and plant steroids found in many species of plants, including Sarsaparilla, can be chemically
synthesized into human steroids like estrogen and testosterone. This chemical synthesization has never been
documented to occur in the human body - only in the laboratory. Plant steroids and their actions in the human
body are still a subject of much interest, too little research, and unfortunately, misinformation mainly for
marketing purposes. Sarsaparilla has been erroneously touted to contain testosterone and/or other anabolic
steroids. While it is a rich source of steroids and saponins, it has never been proven to have any anabolic effects,
nor is testosterone found in sarsaparilla or any other plant source thus far. There is no known toxicity or side
effects documented for sarsaparilla, however ingestion of large dosages of saponins may cause gastro-intestinal
irritation. For psoriasis it will combine well with Burdock, Yellow Dock and Cleavers.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Sassafras has traditionally been used for treating high blood pressure,
rheumatism, arthritis, gout, menstrual and kidney problems. The herb is listed in 1983 British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia for head lice, cutaneous eruptions, rheumatic pains and gout, skin diseases and acne and ulcer.
Sassafras is an excellent warming diuretic, which makes it good for most arthritic conditions. Dosage is 10-30
drops of the tincture. The root bark of sassafras improves digestion and increases sweating during flus, fevers
and measles. It is slightly laxative, and has been used to reduce high blood pressure and to decrease mother’s
milk. It is also a remedy for poison ivy and oak rash poison. Native Americans used a wash of the bark to
bathe infected sores and of the twigs as eyewash. The plant’s disinfectant action makes a valuable mouthwash
and dentrifice.
Sassy Bark (Erythrophleum guineense) It is much used by witchdoctors who use the smoke from it to stupefy. Has
laxative effects but is principally used as a narcotic. The hydrochloride has been used in dental surgery. Erythrophleine
causes a slow, strong pulse, with a rise in the arterial pressure. Purging is probably due to local action on peristalsis,
and vomiting, the result or influence on the nerve centers, as it occurs when the alkaloid is given hypodermically. It is
asserted that it gives great relief in dyspnea, but is uncertain as a heart tonic. The powder is strongly sternutatory. It
has been useful in mitral disease and dropsy, but disturbs the digestion even more than digitalis.
Savory (Satureja hortensis and S montana): Savory has aromatic and carminative properties, and though
chiefly used as a culinary herb, it may be added to medicines for its aromatic and warming qualities. It was
formerly deemed a sovereign remedy for the colic and a cure for flatulence, on this account, and was also
considered a good expectorant. A mild tea made with a few crushed dried leaves and boiling water has a
pleasant, warming effect and since savory, like rue, is reputed to sharpen the eyesight, use it also to relieve
eyestrain due to overtiredness or bad lighting. It will also help to disguise the flavor of unpalatable medicine,
and a few leaves added to a bottle of white wine makes a refreshing tonic. In an emergency crushed leaves of
savory can be applied to bee strings to bring rapid relief. In Elizabethan times, the leaves were crushed into
poultices for the treatment of colds and chest ailments like asthma. A tea of savory can be helpful for diarrhea
and can also stimulate the appetite. Cherokee Indians used the herb as a snuff to cure headaches.
Saw palmetto (Seronoa repens) A hexane extract of the berries has been shown to have antiandrogenic
properties through a direct action on the estrogen receptors and by inhibiting the enzyme
testosterone-5-alph-reductase. Subcutaneously administered extracts were strongly estrogenic in mice.
Furthermore, saw palmetto extract has been shown to prevent the conversion of testosterone to
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as to inhibit DHT binding to cellular and nuclear receptor sites, thereby
increasing the metabolism and excretion of DHT. A double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the
hormonal effects of saw palmetto extract given to men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) for 3 months
prior to operation. The study found that saw palmetto displayed an estrogenic and antiprogesterone effect as
determined by estrogen and progesterone receptor activity.
Aids thyroid in regulating sexual development and normalizing the activity of those glands and organs.
Tonic. Good for strengthening and body building. For men, it treats enlarged and weakened prostate,
impotence. For women, it increases breast size and secreting ability, relieves ovarian and uterine irritability,
frigidity. Stimulates appetite, improves digestion and increases assimilation of nutrients. Expectorant, used for
colds, head and nose congestion, asthma, bronchitis. Promotes urine flow, urinary antiseptic, good for infections
of gastro-urinary tract. Also used in diabetes. Increases the tone of the bladder, allowing a better contraction
and more complete expulsion of the contents, relieving any straining pain. Nourishes the nervous system and
aids assimilation of nutrients. Nicknamed the "plant catheter" because it has the ability to strengthen the neck
of the bladder. Because saw palmetto blocks the formation of DHT which kills off hair follicles it's possible
this can be used to prevent hair loss.
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