Sarsaprilla next to Liniment. Great idea. But since the picture also has Castoria (puke sauce) and Cough Balsam, the vague "Tonic" and the marvelously named PAIN-OLEUM, it would seem that Sarsaparilla is used for medicinal purposes here, not as a drink additive.

What is the stuff, anyway?

Sassafras was widely used as a home remedy in the 19th century – taken in sufficient doses, it induces sweating, which some people thought had health benefits. Sarsaparilla apparently made its debut as a patent medicine, an easy-to-take form of sassafras, much as Coca-Cola was first marketed in 1885 as a remedy for hangovers, headaches and morphine addiction.

The older customer probably swore by it, and kept some on hand just in case.