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Medicinal & Therapeutic Herbs
Sarsaparilla (Smilax) root
Smilax sp. (chiefly Smilax glabra, Smilax officinalis)
Also known as: Sarsaparilla, Smilax, Chinaroot, greenbrier, arkoudovatos.
Sarsaparilla is the root of a climbing plant of the genus Smilax, known in both American and Asian traditions. It concerns mainly those looking for support with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and with rheumatic complaints of the joints.
Shipping options
Last updated: October 2026
Our courier partners
We work with the following courier companies to ensure fast and reliable delivery:
- ACS Courier: delivery across Greece and to Cyprus
- ACS Smart Lockers: collection from automated parcel lockers
- ELTA Courier: delivery across Greece
- Box Now: collection from automated parcel lockers
- DHL: deliveries to EU countries
Dispatch and delivery times
When your order is dispatched
Most products are dispatched within 1–2 business days of order confirmation. For bank transfers, the time counts from receipt of payment. If a product is temporarily out of stock, dispatch may take 3–5 business days and we will notify you promptly.
Estimated delivery times
| Destination | Delivery time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Athens and major cities | 1–2 business days | |
| Regional areas | 1–3 business days | |
| Islands and remote areas | 2–5 business days | Subject to route schedules |
| EU countries (DHL) | usually 4–6 business days | Depending on the destination |
| Cyprus (ACS Courier) | 5–7 business days | From the departure of the ship |
Delivery times count from the day of dispatch. They are estimates and may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (strikes, adverse weather, etc.).
Delivery days
- Deliveries are made on business days (Monday–Friday).
- Saturday delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Same-day delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Delivery at a scheduled time: available on request, at an additional charge.
Shipping costs within Greece
Free shipping on orders over €49
On orders over €49, shipping is free for the first 3 kg. If your parcel is heavier, you keep the free shipping and pay only for the extra weight, at €1.50 per kg.
Orders up to €49
Free shipping does not apply to orders up to €49. Shipping starts from €3.50 for parcels up to 2 kg. The exact amount is calculated automatically at checkout, based on the courier, the weight and the destination, and is shown before you complete your order.
Tip: combine your purchases into a single order over €49 to get free shipping.
Cash on delivery
Paying by cash on delivery costs an extra €2.50, on top of the shipping cost.
Order tracking
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an SMS or e-mail with a tracking number so you can follow your parcel in real time.
Uncollected parcels
- ACS, ELTA: parcels are held at the courier's office for up to 7 days.
- Box Now: parcels are held in the locker for 48 hours.
- DHL (EU shipments): parcels are held at the local DHL office for a limited number of days. Please contact your local DHL office to confirm.
If you are unable to collect your parcel in time, please contact us and we will find a solution. If a parcel is returned to us without prior notice, the outbound and return shipping costs are charged to the customer. See our Returns Policy for details.
Shipping to the European Union and Cyprus
We ship to all European Union countries with DHL, from €18 (Cyprus and Malta from €20). For Cyprus you can also choose ACS Courier (from €9.60). The exact cost is shown at checkout, before you pay.
On EU orders over €200, shipping is free for the first 2 kg and you pay only for the extra weight.
Since all shipments travel within the European Union, there are no customs duties or import charges.
Full details on our International Orders — European Union page.
Contact us about shipping
- E-mail: info@yperikon.gr
- Phone: (+30) 2610 221354
- Opening hours (Greek time): Mon, Wed, Sat 9:00–14:00 · Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00 · Sunday closed
Shipping and Delivery · International Orders — European Union
Payment methods
PAYMENT METHODS
Last updated: May 2026
All products, prices, and shipping terms are confirmed in your order confirmation e-mail. Payment is made before delivery and can be completed using one of the following methods:
1. CREDIT / DEBIT CARD
We accept Visa and Mastercard (credit and debit cards) with full security via Piraeus Bank / Epay. No additional charge.
• Google pay/Apple pay
• SSL encryption — your card details are never stored on our systems
• Instant order confirmation
• No additional fees
2. CASH ON DELIVERY
Pay in cash directly to the courier representative upon delivery. A service fee of €2.50 applies.
Available for deliveries within Greece only.
3. BANK TRANSFER
After placing your order, please wait for our e-mail confirmation of product availability. Then transfer the total amount to one of the following accounts:
Bank | IBAN | Account No. |
National bank | GR3201108360000083600252080 | 836 0025 2080 |
Alpha Bank | GR3901405300530002101442697 | 530002101442697 |
Eurobank | GR2002606720000990200149181 | 0026067299 0200149181 |
Piraeus | GR9401725070005507082823498 | 5507082823498 |
Bank IBAN Account No.
Εθνική Τράπεζα GR3201108360000083600252080 836 0025 2080
Alpha Bank GR3901405300530002101442697 530002101442697
Eurobank GR2002606720000990200149181 0026067299 0200149181
Πειραιώς GR9401725070005507082823498 5507082823498
Account holder: ANASTASOPULOS VASSILIOS
•No additional charge for transfers from the same bank
•Transfers from a different Greek bank may incur standard inter-bank transfer fees (e-banking)
•Transfers from a bank outside Greece: an additional fee of €4.00 applies, to be added by the buyer to the total amount transferred
•We recommend notifying us by e-mail (info@yperikon.gr) once the transfer is made, including the date and bank used — this helps us dispatch your order faster
4. IRIS PAYMENTS
You can pay instantly via IRIS using our Tax ID (AFM):
Tax ID (AFM): 104130231
IRIS Payments enables instant bank-to-bank transfers at no charge.
Note: Bank transfer and IRIS Payments are available for orders within Greece only. For EU orders, please use card payment at checkout.
Send us a message and we reply within one working day. Or call us on (+30) 2610 221354 during shop hours.
Send a message(+30) 2610 221354What it is
Sarsaparilla is the root of a climbing plant of the genus Smilax, known in both American and Asian traditions. It concerns mainly those looking for support with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and with rheumatic complaints of the joints. In older herbal practice it was classed among the "blood cleansers", that is, herbs thought to act on the body as a whole rather than on a single symptom.
Key properties
The root is characterised as anti-inflammatory, a broad-spectrum alterative, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective, with additional diuretic and diaphoretic action. This character rests on steroidal saponins, characteristically sarsasapogenin, together with flavonoids, phenolic compounds and phytosterols.
The saponins are associated with reduced joint pain and skin itching, while laboratory work on more than sixty phenolic compounds from the root identified eighteen with antimicrobial activity against six bacterial species and one against a fungus. There is also research interest in tumour cell lines; the data remain preclinical. The root is further used as a synergist in herbal blends, since its saponins are thought to aid absorption of the other constituents. Human studies are either very old or absent.
Uses
Who it is for
The root is traditionally associated with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and itching, with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and joint swelling, and with liver protection. In historical herbal practice it was also used for serious infectious diseases of the period, such as syphilis and Hansen's disease — references that belong to their historical context and not to present-day practice.
How it is commonly used
The root is taken as a decoction in cycles and is appreciated in wellness routines focused on skin balance, joint comfort and liver function. It is also common as an ingredient in compound herbal blends. The taste is bittersweet and mildly aromatic.
Preparation and dosage
Decoction: 1–2 teaspoons of root in one cup of water. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink three times daily. The root is hard and requires simmering, not a simple infusion.
Quantities are indicative, based on traditional use and published herbal literature. For prolonged use or if you are on medication, consult a health professional.
Precautions
Saponins can irritate the gastrointestinal lining: large amounts bring nausea and stomach discomfort. Avoided in active gastritis or ulcer. Because of its diuretic action, caution in kidney disease and with diuretic or lithium therapy. Saponins increase the absorption of other substances, so leave two hours between the root and any medication. Avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding for lack of data. Self-treatment is limited to cycles of a few weeks; skin and joint conditions need medical diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the root simmered rather than infused?
Because it is hard and woody. Its saponins and phenolic compounds are released only by simmering for 10–15 minutes; hot water alone is not enough.
How long before a difference is seen in the skin?
In traditional use the root is taken in cycles of a few weeks rather than as a one-off remedy. Skin conditions such as psoriasis need medical follow-up alongside.
What does it mean that it acts as a synergist in blends?
The saponins in the root are thought to aid absorption of the other herbs in a mixture. That is why sarsaparilla is often added to compound formulas rather than used alone.
- Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth by S Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy
- Astilbin inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice via Jak3/Stat3 signaling pathway
- Chemical Constituents from the Rhizomes of Smilax glabra and Their Antimicrobial Activity
- Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth by S Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via Redox-Dependent ERK1/2 Pathway
- Cytotoxic polyphenols against breast tumor cell in Smilax china L.
- Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of Smilax glabra Roxb. extract on hepatoma cell lines
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