German Sarsaparilla
OTHER NAME(S): Carex des Arènes, Carex des Sables, Caricis Rhizoma, Chiendent Rouge, Laîche des Sables, Red Couchgrass, Red Sage, Red Wheatgrass, Salsepareille, Salsepareille d'Allemagne, Salsepareille des Pauvres, Sand Sedge, Sandriedgraswurzelstock, Sea Sedge, Carex arenaria, Sea Sage, Red Couch Grass, Zarzaparrilla Alemana, Laîche des sables
Overview
German sarsaparilla (Carex arenaria) is a plant. The underground stem (rhizome) is sometimes used to make medicine.
German sarsaparilla contains many chemicals including salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.
Some people use German sarsaparilla for gout, inflammation (swelling), intestinal gas, colic, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Be careful not to confuse German sarsaparilla with other forms of sarsaparilla.
Uses
We currently have no information for German Sarsaparilla overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German sarsaparilla is safe. It may cause irritation to the throat or stomach.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German sarsaparilla is safe. It may cause irritation to the skin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German sarsaparilla is safe. It may cause irritation to the throat or stomach.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German sarsaparilla is safe. It may cause irritation to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German sarsaparilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Asthma: Don't use German sarsaparilla if you have asthma. It might make your condition worse.
Aspirin allergy: People who are allergic to aspirin might also be allergic to German sarsaparilla. Don't use German sarsaparilla if you are allergic to aspirin.
Interactions
We currently have no information for German Sarsaparilla overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of German sarsaparilla might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Sifton D, ed. The PDR family guide to natural medicines & healing therapies. New York, NY:Three Rivers Press, 1999.