Yellow parilla

Dry, scaly, long-standing skin eruption in a patient with sluggish digestion and constipation

Chronic rheumatic joint pain accompanied by a torpid, coated tongue and poor appetite

Overview. Menispermum canadense, known to nineteenth century American practitioners as yellow parilla, is a twining woodland vine of the moonseed family native to eastern North America. The dried root and rhizome were the parts used, valued by physiomedicalist and Eclectic physicians as a bitter alterative tonic for chronic skin conditions and sluggish constitutions, often as a substitute for or adjunct to true sarsaparilla (Smilax species). Its use has largely faded from modern practice, and it is best regarded today as a historical alterative rather than a first-line remedy.

Clinical Notes. Yellow parilla root was reached for historically in cases of chronic, low-grade skin disease where the picture included torpid digestion, poor appetite, and a sluggish bowel, on the reasoning that clearing internal congestion would support resolution of the skin.

Action and Therapy. Yellow parilla is little used, though possessing decidedly active tonic properties. Full doses increase the volume of the pulse, sharpen the appetite, and prove laxative. Excessive doses cause emeto-catharsis. It is a good laxative, bitter and alterative, and may be used with benefit in strumous and chronic arthritic inflammations, when accompanied by fullness of the lymphatic nodes and weak digestion. Its possible value in leucocythemia has been suggested.

Properties and Uses. The root of this plant is a slowly acting and rather permanent agent, moderately relaxant, but with stimulating properties predominating. It influences the mucous membranes, stomach, gall-ducts, and liver, and makes a distinct alterative-tonic impression upon all the secreting organs, and slightly increases the force of the general circulation.