Suma Root BenefitsSuma Root
Latin Name
Pfaffia paniculata
Also Known As
Brazilian Ginseng, Para Tudo, Ginseng Brasilero
Origin
South America
Parts Used
Root of the Vine
Traditional Use and Health Benefits
Native to South America, Suma is a rambling ground vine that boasts a long and
esteemed history of traditional use as a herbal remedy. The Suma Root is the
most potent part of this herb, with its nickname “para toda” translating to “for
all things”.
The indigenous tribes of the Amazon have long used this root as a general cure-
all, a rejuvenating tonic, an aphrodisiac, analgesic, immune booster and to
combat stress and anxiety.
In modern day herbalism, Suma Root is classed as an adaptogen and is hugely
popular as a testosterone booster for athletes and bodybuilders.
Suma Root Benefits
Adaptogen
Also known as “Brazilian Ginseng”, Suma Root is rich in β-ecdysterone and
ecdysteroid glycosides, natural compounds that are partly responsible for its
adaptogenic action. A herbal adaptogen increases the body’s resistance to
stress, balances the endocrine system and has a normalising, harmonising effect
on the body as a whole.
Suma helps to balance cortisol levels - the stress hormone - in the body. If they
are too high it can bring it down and if they are too low it can bring them up,
this is the power of an adaptogen. It helps to repair exhausted and burnt out
adrenals, making this herb highly effective to combat stress, fatigue, anxiety
and worry.
Sports Performance/Body Building
Dubbed “the Russian Secret”, Suma Root was credited with the Russian’s
dominance in the Olympics in the 1970’s. They had been secretly studying herbs
and discovered that Suma Root enhanced testosterone production, promoting
the development of muscle mass and increasing stamina. Additionally, its
adaptogenic qualities help the body to recover faster from intense exercise.
The benefits of Suma Root to sports performance appear to be derived from the
phytochemical beta-ecdysterone, a powerful phytosteroid that helps to build
muscle without negative side effects.
Suma Root is packed with amino acids, electrolytes, minerals and the
phytochemical “germanium”, a powerful cell oxygenator, as well as B vitamins,
saponins and steroidal glycosides which are the building blocks/enhancers of
testosterone synthesis. Adding this herb to you pre workout smoothie is a great
way to give you that competitive edge.
Immune Boosting
As an adrenal adaptogen, Suma helps the body to deal with stress by
modulating the immune system which is easily depleted by stress. It also
provides resistance against diseases and various other harmful biological and
environmental factors
Suma has one of the highest concentrations of germanium of any plant in
existence. This compound is highly effective in maintaining and boosting
immune function. It stimulates production of interferon gamma, while at the
same time activating cytotoxic natural killer cells and macrophages. An
interesting fact is that the “holy waters” at Lourdes, known for their healing
miracles, contain large amounts of germanium.
Female Sexual Health
Suma is rich in ecdysteroids which boost the production of prostaglandins, which
in turn boosts ovulation and the menstrual cycle. It also contains two
compounds (sitosterol and stigmasterol) that significantly increase oestrogen
levels. The estradiol present in Suma is an oestrogen-based hormone that boosts
female fertility.
Male Sexual Health
Suma Root is particularly effective at increasing the overall testosterone levels
of the body. It contains ecdysterone, an anabolic agent similar to testosterone,
that can help support the healthy hormonal levels in men.
Suma also boosts sexual performance in men - ecdysterone has shown positive
results in maintaining high-performance levels. Suma is also a sexual stimulant
that can help with erectile dysfunction and pre-mature ejaculation.
Typical Use
Suma Root Powder
1 - 4g of powder per day, or as recommended by a Herbal Practitioner.
