Also known as wild sarsa, this deciduous vine has small, greenish flowers and a berry that is reddish-brown when ripe. It grows up into the forest canopy, and has a red, underground tuber. It is a relative of sarsasparilla, another medicinal herb.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Tropical areas around the world
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Carminative, tonic, diuretic, digestive, detoxifier, febrifuge, hepatoprotective, antibiotic, diaphoretic, alterative, and treats exhaustion, anemia, acidity, toxicity, rheumatism, gout, lymphatic infection, skin conditions, male impotency
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
As a blood tonic, and for exhaustion, anemia, acidity, toxicity, rheumatism, gout, lymphatic infections, and skin conditions, boil a small handful of chopped roots in 3 cups water. For impotency in men with good prostate health (China root can stimulate prostate swelling), a handful of root is soaked in rum and taken as a shot twice per day. Alternatively, boil 1 tablespoon China root powder in 1 quart water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, and sip throughout the day. Repeat for three days, or until normal sexual function resumes. In the Caribbean, China root is soaked with man strength ( maritime L.) in rum for virility.
