Sarsaparilla
Smilax aristolochiifolia

This tasty herb was part of the winning combination (with wintergreen and sassafras) that gave us root beer, though root beer flavor is usually produced synthetically these days. Sarsaparilla gained its true fame after Spanish explorers discovered the Caribbean species most commonly used today. In the 16th century, Caribbean and North American Indians used sarsaparilla for healthy skin, and as a tonic for youthful vigor.