German sarsaparilla
Scientific names: Carex arenaria
Family: Cyperaceae
Alternate names: 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, Zarzaparrilla Alemana
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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.
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using German sarsaparilla for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if German Sarsaparilla interacts with any medicines. Before taking German Sarsaparilla, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 28/02/2022 07:47:27. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
