What Is Suma Root?
Suma root, derived from the base of the suma plant, has a history of use for dietary and medicinal purposes. Indigenous to the rain forests of the Amazon Basin of South America, suma has long been used for its ability to stabilize and restore balance to the body's various systems. Individuals considering using suma root should speak with a qualified health care provider to discuss the herb's benefits and associated risks prior to use.
Historically, suma has been utilized as an aphrodisiac, tonic, and astringent. South American natives would consume suma as a part of their daily diet. It is asserted that the herb offered increased physical endurance and energy for those who regularly ingested it.
For hundreds of years, suma was cultivated for treating conditions such as diabetes, skin problems, and tumors. Proponents of suma assert that it promotes the body's ability to adapt to stress and works as a harmonizing agent that restores and boosts the immune system. The herb's purported capacity to promote hormonal balance makes it a valuable, herbal treatment option for menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Suma root was recently introduced in North America and marketed as Brazilian ginseng. The herb's introduction under that name has caused some confusion, considering it is not a member of the ginseng family. The resemblance of this herb to ginseng is merely in appearance alone. Though similar to members of the Araliaceae family of plants, suma root does possess a normalizing, restorative effect which is beneficial for the regulation of the body's various systems.
Since its introduction to the West, suma root has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with a variety of conditions. Individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory conditions have been said to derive benefit from the use of suma root as a supplement. The herb's analgesic, or painkilling, properties may be beneficial in alleviating acute and chronic pain for individuals with certain conditions.
The nutritional properties of suma root are numerous. The root contains nearly all the recommended daily dietary doses of amino acids and minerals, including iron, silica, and zinc. Suma also contains elevated levels of germanium, which is considered to be a potent immune system booster. Additional active elements of suma include saponins, which counteract abnormal cell growth and development, and polyphenols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There have not been any evaluations or extensive formal testing conducted on the herb's toxicity, and it is speculated that it may induce estrogen-like effects in some people. Individuals who have estrogen-receptor positive (ER-positive) cancers should not use suma root. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid using suma and any products which may contain it.
Written by J.M. Willhite
