
Sarsaparilla Mexican/Indian
Hemidesmus indicus
Pricing on Etsy
Sold by weight, 1 oz – 1 lb. Exact pricing per size is shown at checkout.
1 oz – 1 lb — choose your weight on the next step.
Photographs are often staged or closely zoomed. Colour varies from batch to batch — please read the description below.
About this herb
Mexican Sarsaparilla Root. Scientific Name: Smilax aristolochiifolia
Smilax aristolochiifolia, commonly known as Mexican Sarsaparilla, is a climbing vine native to Southern Mexico and distributed throughout El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, and South America. Also called Black Sarsaparilla, Smilax Medica, and Smilax Aristolochiaefolia, this herb has been valued for centuries in traditional herbal preparations. The plant derives its name from the Spanish word "Zarzaparrilla," meaning "shrub" and "little grapevine."
The roots of Mexican Sarsaparilla range in color from brownish-gray to black and have a naturally earthy, slightly sweet, and woody flavor.
🌿 Traditional Uses & Applications ✔ Natural Flavoring Ingredient – Used in beverages, baked goods, and confections. ✔ Pairs Well with Warm Spices – Blends beautifully with cinnamon, anise, ginger, and licorice. ✔ Commonly Used in Herbal Preparations – The root is often infused in tea blends and liquid extracts.
🌱 A traditional herbal root with a bold, earthy taste!
🍵 How to Use Mexican Sarsaparilla Root ✔ Herbal Tea Infusion: Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried root per 8 oz (1 cup) of hot water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, strain, and enjoy.
Pairs well with cinnamon, anise, and ginger for a warming blend.
✔ Tincture & Extract Preparation: Combine 1 part root with 5 parts alcohol (vodka or brandy). Store in a sealed glass jar for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and use as desired.
✔ Baking & Culinary Uses: Ground Mexican Sarsaparilla root is traditionally added to homemade syrups, desserts, and baked goods.
💡 Why Choose Our Mexican Sarsaparilla Root? ✅ 100% Pure & Natural – No fillers, additives, or preservatives. ✅ Premium Quality Root – Sustainably sourced from wildcrafted plants. ✅ Lab-Tested for Purity – Ensuring quality & potency in every batch. ✅ Versatile Use – Ideal for tea, extracts, and herbal formulations.
📦 Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from moisture & sunlight. 🌿 A time-honored herbal root with deep traditional significance! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indian Sarsaparilla Root.
🌿 Premium Wildcrafted Root | Small Woody Chips | Brown Color
Indian Sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) is a South Asian shrub in the Dogbane family, widely cultivated throughout India. This aromatic root has been cherished for centuries in Ayurvedic traditions and is classified as one of the Rasayana herbs, known for its rich antioxidant content.
Similar to Smilax species of Sarsaparilla, Indian Sarsaparilla shares a sweet, woody, slightly earthy flavor, often used as a natural beverage ingredient. Because it is sometimes used interchangeably with Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), it is also called False Sarsaparilla.
🌿 Traditional Uses & Applications ✔ Infusions & Decoctions – Used to brew Sarsaparilla tea and tonics. ✔ Herbal Syrups & Beverages – Commonly infused into Nannari Sarbath & Nannari Sherbet, popular Indian drinks. ✔ Root Beer Alternative – Adds a sweet, earthy flavor similar to traditional root beer. ✔ Aromatic & Culinary Use – Often blended into herbal syrups and wellness formulations.
🌱 A fragrant, traditional root with multiple uses!
🍵 How to Use Indian Sarsaparilla Root ✔ Sarsaparilla Tea (Infusion Method):
Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried root per 8 oz (1 cup) of hot water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Pairs well with cinnamon, licorice, and ginger for a warming blend.
✔ Nannari Syrup Preparation: Soak Indian Sarsaparilla root in water overnight. Boil the soaked root in water until the color and essence are extracted. Strain, add sugar or honey, and store for use in refreshing drinks.
✔ Root Beer Alternative: Brew into a rich, flavorful syrup and mix with sparkling water for a homemade root beer-style drink.
💡 Why Choose Our Indian Sarsaparilla Root? ✅ 100% Pure & Natural – No additives or fillers. ✅ Wildcrafted & Sustainably Sourced – Premium-quality Hemidesmus indicus root. ✅ Lab-Tested for Purity – Ensuring authenticity & potency. ✅ Versatile Use – Ideal for tea, syrups, tonics, and wellness blends.
📦 Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from moisture & sunlight. 🌿 A fragrant herbal root with deep traditional significance!
Product details
| Botanical name | Hemidesmus indicus |
|---|---|
| Process | dried wildcrafted Smilax Medica Root |
| Color | brownish-gray, Black |
| Flavor | slightly sweet, earthy, woody |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Available sizes | 1 oz – 1 lb |
Storage
Keep in a sealed container, away from heat, light and moisture.
Shipping
Orders are processed 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and major US holidays.
| North America | 3–7 business days |
|---|---|
| Canada | 10–15 business days |
| Europe | 12–18 business days |
About the photographs
Product photographs are often staged or closely zoomed. Herbs are a natural product and colour varies from batch to batch, so please read the description rather than judging by the photo alone.
Bulk & wholesale
Larger bulk and wholesale quantities are available on most items. Ask about wholesale pricing.
Disclaimer — US FDA regulations
This information should never replace the care of a medical doctor. We are not medical professionals and are not claiming to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This is provided for educational purposes only, based on common and publicly accessible historical information about the herb. You must be 18 years or older to purchase. We recommend educating yourself about any herb before buying it.
Reviews for Sarsaparilla Mexican/Indian
Collected through the Etsy storefront, where orders are placed.
“Responded quickly to my response to add an additional product before my other items shipped to avoid shipping charges. Excellent Customer Service!!!”
“The spices I ordered were of very high quality. I could not be happier. I will be back. Thank you!”
“Perfect selection and size to make bitters. Thanks so much for offering such a good variety.”
“I thought this before every time I buy it I’m extremely happy. It’s a great product.”




