Chaney Root
Smilax balbisiana
A Jamaican climbing plant related to sarsaparilla. Its root is boiled into the popular "root tonic" drunk for stamina, and into teas for colds and flu. It hasn't been studied in people.
What is Chaney Root?
- Plant family
- Smilacaceae, the greenbrier family
- Parts used
- The root, soaked and then boiled into a tea or tonic
- Where it grows
- Jamaica
- Genus
- Smilax
- Species
- balbisiana
Also called
Jamaican Sarsaparilla
Regional names
Chany Root, Chainy Root
Traditionally used for
- Root tonic (traditional)
- Stamina (traditional)
- Impotence (traditional)
- Colds and flu (traditional)
Traditionally described as
Health topics
Where Chaney Root appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Immune Support (Colds and Flu)
Traditionally brewed as a tea for colds and flu in Jamaica. Not studied in people.
- Sexual Health
A main ingredient in Jamaican root tonic, which men traditionally drink for impotence and stamina. Not studied in people.
Traditions that use it
Caribbean Folk Medicine
A key ingredient in Jamaican "root tonic" (strong back), and brewed as a tea for colds and flu.
Safety
Contamination
Like other homemade root drinks, chaney root tea can carry pesticide residues or germs, so the plant should be grown and handled cleanly. Reported side effects for these teas are generally mild, such as bloating, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea and dizziness.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Chaney root is one of the main plants in Jamaican "root tonic", also called "strong back". This is a boiled drink of several roots and herbs, including sarsaparilla, ginger and strong back leaf. Men commonly drink it for impotence and to increase stamina.[1]
In Jamaica, chaney root is also used for colds and flu. The roots are soaked first, then brewed in water for about 10 minutes and sweetened to taste. Its use for colds rests on personal experience, not research.[1]
In short
Not studied in people; homemade root drinks can carry pesticides or germs.
Sources
- [1] Antiviral Activity of Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Isolated Bioactive Compounds — Molecules · DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030607Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.