Sarsaparilla, of the genus Smilax, is an herb that was once widely used as a Syphilis treatment. Because Lyme disease and Syphilis are both spirochete infections, some Lyme Disease sufferers have used Sarsaparilla with good results (i.e., producing herx reactions and improvement), especially if they had recurring bladder problems. Sarsaparilla is an antidote for mercury.