Suma Root, Para Todo (meaning 'For All Things'), Brazilian Ginseng (although not in the Ginseng family it has similar properties) Latin Name: Pfaffia paniculata. Origin: Atlantic rain forest of Brazil. Cultivated / parts used: Root which is then dried and powdered, or extracted into a liquid tincture.

History of use

Medicinal
Suma is one of the most highly regarded South American herbs. The South American Natives have used Suma for centuries to treat wounds, skin rashes, low energy, sexual disinterest, hormonal disorders and as an aphrodisiac.

In the last ten years Suma has also become a popular herb amongst Olympic athletes due to its anabolic agents, beta-ecdysterone, and three ecdysteroid glycosides. These agents help to increase muscle-building and endurance without the side affects associated with steroids.

Properties
Adaptogen, tonic, aphrodisiac, restorative, astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

May accelerate wound healing and help to regulate blood sugar levels. May help reduce the risk or symptoms of the following conditions:

* Chronic and acute pain

* Chronic low energy

* Infections

* Menopause

* Viral syndromes

* Rheumatoid arthritis

* Hypertension

* Impotence

* Rheumatism

* Peptic ulcers

* Prostrate enlargement

* Diabetes

* Poor immune system

* High or Low blood pressure

* Hormonal Imbalances (especially oestrogen)

* Over Acidity

Nutritional breakdown

Suma root contains a wide range of 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. There are also high levels of the trace element germanium, a powerful natural antioxidant which stimulates the immune system. It is one of the richest sources of B-Ecdysterone, which has anabolic and immune boosting effects in the body, contains Allantoin which promotes wound healing and speeds up cell regeneration and the hormones sitosterol and stipmasterol which have been found to be beneficial to the heart and aid in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

How it works

In the body, germanium attaches itself to oxygen molecules. This has the unexpected effect of making our bodies more effective at getting oxygen to the tissues in our body. This increased supply of oxygen helps to improve our immune system boosting the helping the body to excrete harmful toxins. B-Ecdysterone is a plant hormone that can help maintain your youth and strength and can also accelerate wound healing, along with allantoin a known cellular re-builder that is present in this plant. Sitosterol and stipmasterol have been found beneficial to the heart and they aid in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Additionally, it is helpful in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, infertility, and sterility. Derivations from saponins have been patented as anti-tumour compounds.

Contraindications

To date, there are no reports regarding the toxicity and there are no known side effects but we would not recommend use, if pregnant or nursing.

Instructions for use / dosages

You can benefit by using Suma root as a healing agent, tonic or aphrodisiac. Recommended dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg taken up to two to three times per day.

Capsules: 1-3 capsules up to three times a day.

Powder: take approximately 1 -2 teaspoons up to three times a day.

For body building or weightlifting researchers recommended 500 mg. for every 40 lbs. of body weight, spread out evenly in two divided doses, for the maximum gain in muscle strength and size.

Supporting research

Research in Brazil, Japan and the United States has found unique natural substances in Suma called pfaffosides which are believed to reduce tumours and regulate blood sugar levels.

Dr. Milton Brazzach, head of the pharmaceutical department at the University of Sao Paulo has tested Suma on thousands of patients suffering from various serious diseases. He reportedly found Suma to have great healing and preventative powers, yet has never published his clinical findings.