Smilax aspera

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Smilax aspera L.

Smilacaceae

  • Common Smilax
  • Rough Bindweed
  • `ulleiq عليق
  • qisusit qotzanit
  • קִיסוֹסִית קוֹצָנִית

Climber, Phanerophyte shrub

  • Mediterranean maquis and forest
Click Flora of Israel Online to view distribution
and other botanical details.

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Smilax aspera L.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Cancer

Cancer

Anti-carcinogenic

Decoct roots & stems in water & drink without sugar.

Root, Stem Z
Dermatological

Dandruff & hair loss

Anti-dandruff, Hair restorer

Crush burned dried leaves into fine powder, mix + sesame oil; after shaving, washing & drying scalp apply as salve x2/day for 1 mth or longer.

Leaf Z
Dermatological

Skin diseases

Non-specific

Crush burned dried leaves into fine powder, mix + sesame oil; after shaving, washing & drying the scalp apply as a salve x2/day for 1 mth or longer.

Leaf Z
Gastrointestinal

Digestive tract diseases

Non-specific

Prepare infusion of rhizome & drink.

Rhizome Z
Haematology

Weakness/ lack of blood in body (anaemia)

Anti-anaemic

Decoct leaves in water & drink ? cup x3/day.

Leaf Z
Mental Health

Nervous irritability

Anxiolytic

Prepare infusion of rhizome in water & drink.

Rhizome Z
Musculoskeletal/ Joints

Rheumatic pain in muscles/ joints

Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory

Apply drops of juice from fresh stem onto skin causing a cold burn which is healing.

Stem Z
Wound Healing

Wounds & external lesions

Vulnerary

Dry & grind rhizome into powder & apply to lesion.

Rhizome Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

Cautions

Smilax genus has species which contain steroidal saponins. Root use is associated with drug interactions, renal & gastric toxicity causing nausea & kidney damage. Avoid in preganacy & lactatation.