What is Sarsaparilla? Sarsaparilla, known by the botanical name Smilax, is a topical vine that grows in various tropical places such as Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caribbean, and South America. Sarsaparilla, as we most commonly know it, has so many other names. It's called Liseron, Jupicanga, and Khao yern. There's an Indian sarsaparilla but beware as it's another plant, altogether. Sarsaparilla has been used for years and years to flavor drinks such as cream sodas and root beers so it sounds like it would make for a delicious tea, right? That's correct. It's absolutely delicious. Tasting good is just the tip of the iceberg with this tea. Sarsaparilla boasts so many benefits that it's hard to even list them all. So, let's touch on the tops benefits and that requires a little science lesson.