Sarsaparilla Root Benefits and Tea Recipe

Enjoy sarsaparilla root benefits in the form of delicious sarsaparilla tea or root beer tea. It’s so yummy, you might forget that it’s good for you too!

If you’re a root beer fan, then you’re going to love what I’ve got in store for you today. It’s a delicious drink that some call sarsaparilla tea and others call root beer tea. Either way, it’s super delightful and totally tasty. My kids and I both love it!

And just to make this tea even better, it’s full of health benefits thanks to a blend of wonderful herbs, including sarsaparilla root. It’s self-care that feels like a treat! Let me show you how I make it and why I love it so much.

What is Sarsaparilla Tea?

Sarsaparilla tea is an herbal tea infusion made from the roots of the Smilax plant species, aka sarsaparilla. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its potential health benefits.

Although you can find sarsaparilla root in various forms, like tinctures, extracts and supplement capsules, I think that the best way to enjoy its benefits is as a delicious drink. It tastes great!

What Does Sarsaparilla Tea Taste Like?

Sarsaparilla tea has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor with subtle sweet undertones, and it’s often enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs.

I’m sharing my favorite recipe today, which is absolutely delightful! It comes from the amazing Rosemary Gladstar who writes about it in her herbal medicine book.

This sarsaparilla drink blends several healthy herbs together for incredible health benefits and flavor. Since sarsaparilla is used to flavor root beer, what you’ll end up with is a great tasting “root beer” tea blend. You can jazz it up with some carbonated fizz to make it even better.

Ingredients

To prepare sarsaparilla or root beer tea, you’ll need:

• 1 part (or 1/2 cup) burdock root
• 1 part (or 1/2 cup) cassia cinnamon chip
• 1 part (or 1/2 cup) sarsaparilla root
• 1/2 part (or 1/4 cup) dandelion root
• 1/4 part (or 1/8 cup) gingerroot
• 1/4 part (or 1/8 cup) stevia leaf
• Sparkling or seltzer water, if desired

Where to Buy Herbs

How to Make Sarsaparilla Tea

This sarsaparilla/root beer tea uses a decoction method to extract the flavors and nutrients from fibrous/woody plants. It’s similar to steeping tea leaves, but involves more time. I’ll walk you through it.

Instructions:

• Place all herbs into a jar and shake to mix. This will make a larger batch for you to use as needed. Store in a cool, dry place.
• When ready to make a decoction, add 1 quart of water into a small saucepan.
• Place 4-6 Tablespoons of the root beer tea mix into water.
• Bring to a slow simmer for 25-45 minutes
• Optional: Cover and let the decoction infuse longer or even overnight.
• Strain out the herbs from the liquid and drink immediately or refrigerate.
• This tea can be enjoyed warm or cool.
• To make into a bubbly cool drink, pour root beer tea into a small glass until half full. Top it off with ice and seltzer/carbonated water. A good serving proportion would be about 3/4 cup tea to 1/4 cup sparkling water.
• If you desire it to be sweeter, add some honey or pure maple syrup.

Health Benefits of Sarsaparilla Root

• Detoxification – Helps support function of the liver and kidneys to flush out toxins.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties – May aid in reducing joint pain and inflammation.
• Supports Skin Health – Used traditionally for eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
• Boosts Immune Function – Contains natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. A perfect boost for shaking off the winter illnesses.
• Hormonal Balance – Thought to help with hormone regulation due to plant-based steroids.

Other Healthy Herbs in this Recipe

Aside from the benefits of sarsaparilla root, this recipe contains other helpful herbs.

• Burdock Root – Great for skin conditions, full of antioxidants and supports detoxification. Also wonderful for the lymphatic drainage system and may reduce swelling.
• Cassia Cinnamon Chip – Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It also has antibacterial and immune boosting properties.
• Dandelion Root – Another great herb for immune support. Dandelion root has diuretic properties as well as antioxidants to fight free radicals and oxidative stress. Read more about the benefits of dandelion root.
• Gingerroot – Can aid in digestion and relieve nausea.
• Stevia Leaf – Natural, calorie free sweetener that can help control blood sugar and aid in weight management.

Who Should Not Take Sarsaparilla?

While sarsaparilla tea is generally safe, excessive consumption may lead to stomach irritation. If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, or taking medications, consult a healthcare provider about dosages and potential side effects before adding it to your routine.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical provider, and these statements are not FDA approved.

Learn More About Herbs

This root beer tea is one of my personal favorites. I love knowing I’m getting lots of health benefits from the sarsaparilla root and other herbs, all while enjoying a tasty herbal tea. Try it for yourself!

If you’d like to learn more about herbs, try:

• DIY Rosemary Hair Water for Growth | Before and After
• Lemon Balm Tea Recipe and Benefits
• How to Make a Healing Dandelion Salve | Don’t kill these weeds!
• Natural Cold and Flu Remedies That You Can Make at Home with Herbs
• How to Make Yarrow Wound Powder
• How to Brew Lavender Tea and 6 Recipes to Try
• Fire Cider Recipe with Variation Ideas
• 100% Whole Grain Sourdough Bread Made Simple
• 100% Whole Grain Einkorn Sourdough Bread Simplified