Perennial climber with erect, semi-woody stems and sharp thorns. The leaves are large, prominently veined, and alternately stalked. Small, greenish flowers are followed by black berries.

Sarsaparilla is considered to be excellent for chronic hepatic disorders and some venereal diseases. It is anti-inflammatory, and can bring relief to skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and itchiness. Sarsaparilla also has progesterogenic actions, making it beneficial in premenstrual problems, and the debility and depression associated with menopause.

Herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped, green leaves up to a foot long. The stem is thick, round, hollow, and purple, and flowers are tubes of rose-pink overlapping petals appearing in clusters, followed by pointed, narrow brown seeds. Height: 3-9 feet. Blooms: Late summer

The leaves stimulate circulation and sweating and reduce inflammation. The dried root is used to tone the reproductive tract, and has been known to help with pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea, menstrual cramps, prostate and urinary infections, and gout and rheumatism.