SARSAPARILLA Overview Information. Sarsaparilla is a plant. The root is used to make medicine. Sarsaparilla is used for treating psoriasis and other skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and kidney disease; for increasing urination to reduce fluid retention; and for increasing sweating.Sarsaparilla is also used along with conventional drugs for treating leprosy and for syphilis.regnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of sarsaparilla during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Asthma: Exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can cause runny nose and the symptoms of asthma. Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse.