| Suma root (Pfaffia paniculata) Adaptogen, tonic, aphrodisiac, restorative, astringent. Suma root, also known as Para Todo (For All Things) is called “Brazilian Ginseng” by some herbalists and is one of the most highly regarded South American herbs. While not a member of the Panax ginseng family, it is an authentic adaptogenic herb, and as such exerts a normalizing influence on your body and can help regulate and enhance your endocrine, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems. South American Natives have used Suma for centuries to treat wounds, skin rashes, low energy and sexual disinterest. The overall effect is to give you an increased resistance to stress while having a cell-building and regenerating effect. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate chronic and acute pain. Suma root is also quite valuable nutritionally as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. Researchers have identified 152 chemical constituents in the root, including 19 amino acids, electrolytic and trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, cobalt, silica and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B-1, B-2, E, K and pantothenic acid. It contains high amounts of the trace element germanium, which is a powerful immune stimulator. The germanium may be partly responsible for Suma’s powerful ability to bring more oxygen to the cells. Suma root is becoming quite popular because of its high content of several plant hormones. It is considered one of the richest sources of B-Ecdysterone, a plant hormone that can help maintain your youth and strength. B-Ecdysterone can also accelerate wound healing , along with allantoin (comfrey also contains allantoin), a known cellular rebuilder that is present in this plant. Research in Brazil, Japan and the United States has found unique natural substances in Suma called pfaffosides which are believed to reduce tumors and regulate blood sugar levels. Suma helps regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol, hormones (especially estrogen) and acid-base balance. Doctors and herbalists in South America, North America and Europe have successfully treated people with conditions as diverse as chronic low energy and weakness, recurrent infections, viral syndromes, early onset of various cancers, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, benign prostrate enlargement, impotence, rheumatism and peptic ulcers. You can benefit by using Suma root as a healing agent, tonic or aphrodisiac. |
