In the early 1800s, Sarsaparilla began to make its way into various bars and restaurants. Often used as a home remedy, it grew popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Although not as popular in the US, Sarsaparilla has always been thought to contain chemicals that benefit the human body through relief of joint pain, itchy skin, reducing inflammation, liver protection, and Healthline.com claims it may aid in the “killing of bad bacteria inside the body”.
More background
The root of Sarsaparilla is what can be used as a medicine for treating various diseases. Although not proven, some even think the properties of the root are able to be turned into anabolic steroids such as testosterone and provide performance enhancements in a more natural way to bodybuilders or athletes. Webmd.com also mentions the way Sarsaparilla is used as a flavoring in numerous soft drinks, the most recognizable being root beer!
Root beer is known for its delicious taste around the world. Towards the 20th century, it was more uncommon to see its original form used which contained fermented Sarsaparilla root, sassafras bark, and other herbal remedies. Now it contains artificial flavoring and sugars. One of the best recipes in making a delicious root beer from scratch is one filled with beneficial yeast and bacteria all good for the body.
Benefits
Nourishedkitchen.com lists the benefits of each ingredient in the delicious homemade drink
“Sassafras gives root beer its distinctive, slightly mint-like flavor. And it’s traditionally used to purify the blood in folk medicine.
Sarsaparilla is traditionally used as a renal tonic and for the complexion. Ginger gives this root beer recipe a rich, fiery note. Herbalists use ginger to support cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as for nausea and stomach upset.
Licorice gives the recipe a subtle, anise-like sweetness that pairs well with sassafras. Licorice also supports adrenal health, and may be helpful in addressing hormonal imbalance in women.
Dandelion Root adds the subtlest bitter note to the brew. Dandelion root also supports liver health.”
Makin’ The Creation!
Ingredients to make this creation include the following:
- 10 cups water
- 3 tablespoons sarsaparilla root
- 1 tablespoon ginger Root
- 1 tablespoon licorice root
- 2 teaspoons dandelion root
- 2 teaspoons birch bark
- 1 star anise pods
- 1/4 cup sassafras root bark
- 3/4 cup unrefined cane sugar
- 1/2 cup kombucha (strained if needed)
By filling a pot with 10 cups of water you will then carefully stir in the sarsaparilla, ginger, licorice, dandelion, birch and star anise. Bring it all to a boil and leave on medium to high heat. Once that boils, turn it down to medium-low heat and let simmer for about 30mins. Stir in your sassafras bark and simmer again for another 15 minutes. Once this is done, go ahead and turn the stove off, stir in your sugar until it dissolves and have the decoction cool to room temperature which may take around 2 hours. Next, strain it, discard the herbs, and empty in your kombucha. You will want to put into containers to ferment at room temperature for around 2 days, then add to your fridge for 3 days allowing any bubbles to set, then serve cold over ice!
This delicious recipe will have you reeling with how yummy it is! Not to mention beneficial. Share with friends as a wonderful house-warming or get-together evening. A Healthy You, Is A Happy You!
