What is Indian Sarsaparilla Powder?

Indian Sarsaparilla Powder is the finely ground root of Hemidesmus indicus, a slender climbing plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is called Anantamul ("eternal root") in Sanskrit. Despite the shared common name, it is a different plant from Mexican Sarsaparilla and belongs to a different botanical family.

About the plant

Indian Sarsaparilla is native to the Indian subcontinent, where its root has a long documented history in Ayurvedic tradition going back thousands of years. The Indian variety carries a slightly sweet, aromatic character, distinct from the more earthy profile of the Mexican root.

Related herbs

• Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder — the unrelated Smilax root that shares the name.

Indian Sarsaparilla Powder: form & sizes

We carry Indian Sarsaparilla Powder as finely ground root powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Indian Sarsaparilla Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Indian Sarsaparilla Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Hemidesmus indicus

Family

Apocynaceae

Native region

the Indian subcontinent

Plant part

root

Also known as

Anantamul, Naga-Mool

Distinct from

Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax species)

Form

finely ground root powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb